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Tropical Rainforest Mycology
This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the fungi, with emphasis on tropical rain forest fungi. The material covered in the course is equivalent to an upper level Mycology class. The course is open to anyone who has not previously had a mycology course. The approach will be a survey of all fungal groups emphasizing their taxonomy and morphology, using fresh, locally collected material as examples. The course is divided into five categories: formal classroom lectures, laboratory sessions, field trips, directed readings, and individual projects. Lectures Lectures will take place in the classroom and will present the theory and background of fungal morphology and classification. Their ecology, roles in the environment, and uses by man will also be emphasized. All groups of fungi will be covered. Laboratories The laboratory sessions will provide a "hands on" experience with the fungi. Fresh material will be used as much as possible to demonstrate their diversity. Methods of study will include observation with the hand lens, dissecting microscope and compound microscope. Techniques of isolation and culturing will also be employed. Several group projects will be conducted by the entire class. Field Trips Field trips are an extension of the laboratory sessions. Field trips will be taken daily to observe and collect fungi. Directed Readings Readings will be assigned from the textbook. The textbook provides a general overview of fungal classification and ecology. Other readings will be assigned that treat fungi in general or emphasize aspects of tropical ecology. Required Text Kendrick, Bryce. 2000. The Fifth Kingdom. 3rd ed. Focus Pub. Co., Other Important Books on Neotropical Fungi
Individual Projects Each student will conduct a research project as part of the course requirement. The student will design the project in consultation with and under the supervision of the instructor. The preferred topic will be on higher macro fungi. Other groups of fungi could be investigated, but the lack of mycological literature at the station may limit what can be done. If the student has a specific idea for the group of fungi to be investigated, he or she should bring along the pertinent literature. The approach taken can be taxonomic or ecologic. It will be possible to culture fungi, but the the types of media available will be quite limited. The student will write-up their research and present their findings to the class. All reports must be complete before leaving Bocas del Toro. Grading and Credit Credit through your own academic institution must be arranged. Six units of credit will be given. A letter grade will be assigned based on attendance at lectures, lecture exams, lab reports, lab exams, research proposal, project, and general overall attitude and motivation. The grade will be calculated by dividing the total possible points into the points that you have earned. The instructor will provide a breakdown of points earned and final letter to your academic institution. Tentative Course Schedule A tentative outline of daily activities will be provided at the beginning of the course. Course Topics
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