Entry requirements

Completed courses of 150 credits including (1) 60 credits in biology and 30 credits in chemistry or 30 credits in earth science, or (2) 90 credits in biology. In both cases including either Fundamental and Molecular Systematics 10 credits or Evolutionary Processes 15 credits and participation in Evolutionary Patterns 15 credits. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

The purpose of the course is to provide students with knowledge of the biology of fungi and advanced knowledge of their systematics and evolution.

On completion of the course, students should be able to:

• discuss the main taxonomic groups among fungi
• relate the classification and morphology of fungi to their evolution and phylogeny
• give an account of the life and reproduction strategies of fungi
• explain biogeographical patterns and speciation of fungi

Content

The course concerns the diversity of fungi, their crucial influence in most ecosystems, their cultural and economic importance and how their genetic factors and reproduction strategies make the evolutionary patterns of fungi different from those of other organism groups.

The course covers more specifically:

• The phylogeny of fungi and the morphology, phylogeny and classification of ascomycetes and basidiomycetes
• Evolution of life and reproductive strategies of fungi
• Methods to study morphological properties of fungi
• Speciation and biogeographical patterns of fungi

Instruction

The teaching is conducted in the form of online teaching, practical exercises, laboratory sessions, computer exercises, literature assignments and field studies.

Assessment

Course modules: Theory 6 credits; Practice 4 credits. The theory module is assessed in a written examination The practical module involves compulsory attendance with oral and written presentations.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the university's disability coordinator.