BIOLOGY OF ALGAE AND FUNGI (Bio 218)

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF LECTURE AND

LABORATORY TOPICS

This course is conducted in a lecture-laboratory format. The two large blocks of time (1-4:00 p.m.) twice per week allows sufficient time for lectures covering the subject material and adequate time for the exploration of the various aspects of the biology of both marine and aquatic algae and aquatic and terrestrial fungi. Students will be expected to write a number of papers, carry on independent investigations, present joint and individual oral presentations, and actively take part in class-laboratory work. Quizzes and examination will cover both laboratory and lecture material as well as outside readings and material presented by student presentations. The final examination is cumulative.
 Week 1-2 Laboratory Topics
 Introduction 
Evolution and Classification of Protista 
The Role of Algae & Fungi in the Ecosystem		  Cyanobacteria & Green Unicells
 Week 3-4 

General Characteristics of Algae 
Pigments and Photosynthesis strategies 
EXAM I

   Plankton Growth Curves
 Week 5-6 

Global Distribution of Plankton 
Algal Structure and Development 
Reproductive Strategies 
Identification of Marine and Freshwater Algae

  Scanning E.M. -Diatoms 
Computer Assisted Algal 
Recognition
 Week 7 

Occurrence and Distribution of Benthic Algae 
EXAM II

  Methods of Algal Reproduction
 Week 8-10 

General Characteristics of Fungi 
Morphology & Development 
Systematics & Classification of Fungi

  Culturing Water Molds 
and Slime Molds 
Fungal Succession
 Week 11-12 

EXAM III 
Reproductive Methods Among Fungi 
Fungi as Predators & Parasites

  Culturing Molds and Carnivorous Fungi 
Isolation, culture and identification 
of Aerial Molds
 Weeks 13-14 

Symbiosis, Pathology & Medical Mycology 
Complete All Laboratory Work

  Plant and Animal Pathogens
 
Photo credits: Mushrooms- C.R. Leathers; Algae- G.K.Jensen