Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - BISC 326 D100

Biology of Algae and Fungi (3)

Class Number: 2720

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Tue, Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2019
    Tue, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 101 and 102 with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of form, function and phenetics.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides students with a broad understanding of the biology and ecology of algae and fungi. In the first half, the large and diverse group of algae will be explored. The classification, life history, reproduction, and cellular/developmental biology of the major lineages are covered. Topics such as biotechnological applications, algae as food, harmful algal blooms, and current research on algae are also discussed. The course includes a mandatory weekend field trip to the Bamfield Marine Station held on Oct. 4 to 6, 2019. In the second half of the course, an overview of fungal organisms, their morphology and methods used for identification will be provided. The variety of roles of fungi in different ecosystems will be discussed. Additional topics to be reviewed include uses of fungi in food production, fungal pathogens of plants and humans, interactions of fungi with other organisms, uses of fungi as biological control agents, cultivation and identification of mushrooms, and fungi in forest ecosystems.

COURSE OUTLINE

   Algal biology

.  Introduction to algae
.  Prokaryotic algae (cyanobacteria)
.  Endosymbiosis and the origin of eukaryotic algae
.  Single-celled eukaryotic algae (Euglenoids, Dinoflagellates, Diatoms)
.  Macroalgae (brown, red and green algae)

   Fungal biology

.  Morphology and methods for identification
.  Role in nature and ecology of fungi
.  Pathogenic/beneficial associations
.  Human uses of fungi
.  Mushroom cultivation

Grading

  • Algae Lect. Midterm 20%
  • Algae Lab Exam 20%
  • Algae Term Paper 10%
  • Fungi Lect. Final Exam 30%
  • Fungal Term Paper 10%
  • Fungal Lab Exam 10%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Pacific Seaweeds, A Guide to Common Seaweeds of the West coast by Louis Druehl and Bridgette Clarkston.

Course hand-outs will be provided weekly and references to other textbooks given.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS