STOCKSCH 525 – MYCOLOGY

Instructor: Dr. Elsa Petit epetit@umass.edu

I am a plant pathologist with a particular interest in fungi, fungal-like pathogens, and sustainable agriculture and grapes. My research focuses on the ecology and dynamics of infectious diseases in agricultural and natural ecosystems, especially those caused by fungi and oomycetes, and how this understanding can help make ecosystems more resilient. I am originally from the wine region of France, where I studied in Bordeaux, and I later pursued a PhD in Plant Pathology in California. As someone who learns best by doing, I strongly support peer learning and experiential or hands-on learning approaches whenever possible.

Course Description: Biology, ecology, physiology, and taxonomy of fungi. Includes consideration of fungi as sources of food, medicine, and fiber, as well as causes of diseases in animals, humans, and plants, and their uses in agriculture and biotechnology applications.

Credit Hours: This 4-credit class requires 3 hours per week of instructional time and 9 additional hours of student work per week (including a combination of independent field and laboratory work, data analysis, reading, group work, and other activities).

Prerequisite: Required: BIO151 or instructor consent

Student Learning Objectives: At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Identify and describe a variety of fungi with different lifestyles
  2. Discuss the ecological role of fungi in the environment
  3. Describe agronomic, medicinal, and other economic uses/applications of fungi
  4. Culture fungi from environmental samples
  5. View fungi under a microscope and quantify fungal growth patterns
  6. Evaluate hypotheses and results presented in primary scientific literature
  7. Develop original hypotheses and experiments to explore fungal ecology
  8. Interpret and communicate scientific findings to peers and stakeholders

Readings: Readings will be posted on Canvas. Recommended textbook: The Fifth Kingdom (Bryce Kendrick) Recommended guide: Mushrooms of Northeast North America (George Barron)