NNMK14010U Field Mycology and Identification of Fungi

Volume 2017/2018
Education

MSc Programme in Biology

MSc Programme in Biology with a minor subject

Content

The course gives an update on the ecology, morphology, evolution and taxonomy of larger fungi, but has its main focus on field mycology and identification based on morphological characters. Methods for studying fungi in the field are demonstrated, and species identification involving microscopy and interactive computerbased keys is trained. The course has a hands-on approach to learning, and uses the interactive citizen science platform “Svampeatlas” as a social learning media. The course involves a mandatory six days field course in August just prior to block 1 and independent project work in September-October (50 hrs).

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

By completing the course the student can:

  • demonstrate an overview of the ecology and basic taxonomy of larger fungi
  • recognize a selection of common or otherwise relevant fungal species from the Danish nature
  • demonstrate an overview of data sources and advanced approaches to fungal species identification.

 

Skills:

By completing the course the student can:

  • identify unknown fungi using the relevant tools of identification
  • recognize the most important poisonous fungi
  • utilize the fungi as tools for e.g. bioindication and conservation
  • design ecologically relevant field studies of fungal communities.

 

Competences:

By completing the course the student can:

  • undertake identification jobs related to fungi
  • identify and handle fungal biodiversity in nature management
  • lead or assist public mushroom excursions.

See Absalon

Lectures, project work and practical exercises. The course involves a mandatory six days field course at a field station, placed just prior to block 1.
Notice that the couse includes a mandatory six days field activity in August (week 35, just prior to block 1) and continues with independent project work in block 1.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 1,5
  • Excursions
  • 30
  • Lectures
  • 4
  • Practical exercises
  • 61
  • Preparation
  • 59,5
  • Project work
  • 50
  • Total
  • 206,0
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Practical written examination, 1½ hours
Written assignment, 50 hours (report)
The practical written examination will take place during the field course. It is based on determination of fresh fungi. Each student is given four collections of fresh fungi that should be determined using the Mycokey software (which is used during the course). In addition the students need to characterize character stages for selected morphological characters for the fresh fungi. Finally, a number of multiple choice questions on fungal morphology need to be answered.

Each student will be placed at a separate table equipped with a microscope.

The two part-exams have to be passed individually but not necessarily in the same exam-period.
Exam registration requirements

To qualify for the exam the student must participate fully in the field activity (6 days).

 

Aid
All aids allowed

pc with Mycokey installed needed

 

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam

Passed written exam or report can be reused in a new exam attempt.

If the student is not qualified for the exam then the student must follow the course again next time it is offered.

Criteria for exam assesment

See the learning outcome