Mycology
CRN
Course Number
Credits
Description
Fungi play a critical role in Pacific Northwest conifer forests and provide a charismatic touchpoint for communities to connect with forested landscapes. This course seeks to build field skills in macrofungi identification and to examine the key roles that fungi and lichens play in forest systems, as well as the interrelationships among fungi, soils, plants, and wildlife. In addition, we will explore the concept of ethnomycology, looking at the relationships between fungi and people from the past to the present. This course will meet twice per week. The first meeting will focus on a lecture and class discussion, while the second meeting will be a field day. Field locations will vary and may require driving off campus and walking on and off the trail.
Critical Questions
- What role do fungi play in forest nutrient cycles?
- How do fungi shape forest patch dynamics?
- How can we identify the species we find?
- How have people used fungi through time, and what are the possibilities for the future?
- How will climate change affect fungi in the Pacific Northwest?
Outcomes
- Students will learn to identify macrofungi and lichens during field excursions.
- Students will understand the role that lichens and fungi play in Pacific Northwest forests.
- Students will examine the changing relationships between humans and fungi from the past to the present.
Prerequisites
FAIR 206A or equivalent
Materials Fee
Texts
The Fifth Kingdom(4th edition) by Bryce Kendrick
Mushrooms of British Columbia by Andy Mackinnon and Kem Luther
Mushrooms of Cascadia: An Illustrated Key by Michael Beug
Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest by Steve Trudell and Joe Ammirati
Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest (third edition), by Bruce McCune
Internet Resources
Washington Key Council Online Macrofungi Dichotomous Keys
Credit/Evaluation
S/NX grading; narrative evaluation required for credit.
As part of the course, students will be expected to:
- Prepare a digital iNaturalist collection of 40 mushroom species, including digital photographs of each species. Along with the photo habitat variables, including topography, plant species composition, and structure, and known biotic interactions with other species.
- Prepare a 3–5-page report on a fungal taxon, life history, or ecosystem function.
- Prepare a 10-15 min presentation on a specific taxon.
- Weekly quizzes on class readings.
- Participate in class activities and field trips.
Regular class attendance, active participation in class discussions, and understanding of the readings are essential for successful engagement in the class. Students who miss more than two class periods without prior arrangement may not receive credit.