PLSCI 2013

Mushrooms, Molds and More

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

Presentation of the fungi and their roles in nature and in shaping past and present civilizations. Emphasizes the historical and practical significance of fungi as decayers of organic matter, as pathogens of plants and animals, as food, and as sources of mind-altering chemicals. Lectures and exams for this course are the same as those in PLSCI 2010. However, students in this course also participate in a weekly 55-minute discussion section where they grow mushrooms and other fungi in culture, learn about contemporary classification of fungi, see examples of major taxa growing on natural substrates, and determine whether suspect pathogens really can kill agricultural crops. Students also teach their peers about the fungus world with presentations of their own creation. This course is suitable for non-life sciences majors.

Forbidden Overlaps PLSCI 2010, PLSCI 2013

Distribution Requirements (BIO-AG, BSC-AG, OPHLS-AG), (SCT-IL)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2025SP, 2024SP, 2023SP

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the properties of fungi and relate them to their abilities and their contributions to ecosystems.
• Discuss positive and negative effects of fungi on food and agriculture and evaluate their impacts on global food security.
• Explain how fungal toxins, allergens, and diseases affect human health.
• Apply evolutionary concepts and knowledge of fungal life cycles to devise ways to manage disease progress.
• Describe fungal foods, biochemicals, and materials and explain how they may contribute to environmental sustainability.
• Compare lichen and mycorrhizal symbioses and discuss their contributions to carbon cycling and climate.
• Communicate information about a wide range of fungi and their impacts to diverse audiences.

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