The Fungal Kingdom

Fungi play fundamental roles in terrestrial ecosystems as recyclers of organic matter and as partners with plants and algae to form mycorrhizae and lichens. From mushrooms, antibiotics, and high-fructose corn syrup to yeasts, acid-washed jeans, and bioremediation, the importance of fungi for humans and the ecosystems they inhabit is indisputable. This two-quarter, upper-level program will focus on understanding these unique and pivotal organisms.   

During fall quarter, our program time will consist primarily of fieldwork and labs where students will learn to collect, describe and identify fruiting mushrooms and lichens using dichotomous keys, chemical and microscopic techniques. We will learn about the natural history and ecology, as well as field-based methods for assessing biodiversity of lichens and fruiting mushrooms. Fall quarter lectures and workshops will cover biology, evolution, systematics and physiology of fungi and lichens. Seminarwill focus on exploring the scientific literature and developing technical writing skills.Therewill be multipleone-day field trips and two multi-day field trips. 

Inwinter quarter, our focus will shift more indoors to laboratory work with micro-fungi and genetic taxonomy techniques. Lectures and workshops in winter quarter will explore application of mycology to environmental problem-solving as well as the many ecological roles that fungi play:mutualists to plants and animals, nutrient cyclers, disease-causing agents, and indicators of environmental quality. We will expect students to research topics in the primary scientific literature and to summarize and share their findings with the entire class. Students will have opportunities for independent directed work, both individually and in small groups. Students will also have the chance to further their skills in technical writing, library research, critical thinking, and public presentations.Credit equivalencies for the program will include mycology, lichenology, lichen taxonomy, fungal taxonomy, and scientific writing. 

If you are a student with a disability and would like to request accommodations, please contact the faculty or the office of Access Services (Library Bldg. Rm. 2153, PH: (360) 867-6348; TTY (360) 867-6834) prior to the start of the quarter. If you require accessible transportation for field trips, please contact the faculty well in advance of the field trip dates to allow time to arrange this.