Program Overview

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Program Overview

The University of Copenhagen offers a course in Field Mycology and Identification of Fungi, which provides an overview of the ecology, morphology, evolution, and taxonomy of larger fungi. The main focus is on field mycology and identification of fruitbodies based on morphological characters, and how these approaches can be used in research and conservation.

Course Content

The course covers methods for studying fungi in the field and lab, species identification involving microscopy and interactive computer-based keys, and scientific papers discussed based on student presentations. The course has a hands-on approach to learning and uses the interactive citizen science platform “Svampeatlas” as a social learning platform.

Learning Outcomes

By completing the course, students can:

• Demonstrate an overview of the ecology, evolution, and taxonomy of larger fungi
• Recognize a selection of common or otherwise relevant fungal species from the Danish nature
• Outline the characteristics of several fungal orders producing macrofungal fruitbodies
• Demonstrate an overview of data sources and advanced approaches to fungal species identification
• Identify unknown fungi using the relevant tools of identification
• Recognize the most important poisonous fungi
• Utilize fungi as tools for e.g., bioindication and conservation
• Design ecologically relevant field studies of fungal communities
• Understand challenges and relevant tools related to the study of macrofungal communities
• Undertake identification jobs related to fungi
• Identify and handle fungal biodiversity in nature management

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course involves lectures, workshops, project work, and practical exercises. A mandatory six-day field course is included, placed just prior to block 1.

Literature

See Absalon for literature details.

Recommended Prerequisites

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree are recommended.

Remarks

Notice that the course includes a mandatory six-day field activity (week 35, just prior to block 1) and continues with independent project work in block 1. The course is identical to the discontinued course NNMK14010U Field Mycology and Identification of Fungi.

Examination

The examination consists of an oral examination (20 minutes) and a written assignment (50 hours). The written assignment must be handed in one week prior to the examination. The grade is based on an overall evaluation of the two-part exams.

Examination Prerequisites

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

Aid

The written assignment is with all aids allowed. The oral exam is without aids.

Marking Scale

The course uses a 7-point grading scale.

Censorship Form

No external censorship; several internal examiners.

Re-exam

The 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 Assessment

See the learning outcome for criteria.

Course Type

Single subject courses (day).

Workload

• Lectures: 6 hours
• Preparation: 10 hours
• Practical exercises: 40 hours
• Excursions: 20 hours
• Project work: 130 hours
• Exam: 1 hour

Language

English.

Course Number

SGBK21001U.

ECTS

7.5 ECTS.

Programme Level

Full Degree Master.

Duration

1 block.

Placement

Block 1.

Schedule Group

Notice that the course includes a mandatory six-day field activity in week 35, just prior to block 1) and continues with independent project work in block 1.

Capacity

Max 20 students.

Study Board

Study Board for the Biological Area.

Contracting Department

Globe.

Contracting Faculty

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

Course Coordinator

Jacob Heilmann-Clausen.