Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - BISC 326 D100

Biology of Algae and Fungi (3)

Class Number: 1320

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2020
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.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 of algae and fungi. In the first half, the large and diverse group of organisms known as algae will be explored. The classification, evolution, life history, reproduction, and cellular/developmental biology of the major lineages are covered. Current research on algae is also discussed. 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. In fall 2020 the course will occur remotely; lectures and labs will include a combination of synchronous and asynchonous components. The ability to send and recieve live video and sound through the internet is required. Students will be required to be present during the lab section time they signed up for. 


TOPICS

   Algal biology

.  Introduction to algae
.  Algal taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships
.  Algal evolution
.  Reproduction and life histories
.  Effects of climate change on selected algal species

   Fungal biology

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

Grading

  • Biology of Algae 50%
  • Biology of Fungi 50%

NOTES:

Details of projects, assignments, reports, etc. will be provided when the course begins.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Pacific Seaweeds, A Guide to Common Seaweeds of the West coast by Louis Druehl and Bridgette Clarkston. Available digitally (ISBN 978-1-55017-738-1) or as a paperback (ISBN 978-1-55017-737-4).

Algae, 3rd edition by Graham, Graham, Wilcox, and Cook. Available as a downloadable PDF (www.ljlmpress.com/algae.html)
ISBN: 978-0-9863935-3

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).