Instructor: Keith Kisselle
Description: The video game and the HBO series The Last of Us includes the idea of zombie fungi, much of which is based on actual science. Fungi have amazing abilities to heal, hurt, partner, parasitize, revitalize, and kill. With a long evolutionary history on the planet and a vast array of metabolic pathways and products, fungi are an amazing, but often overlooked, kingdom of life. We will study the evolution and ecology of fungi, mushrooms, and their symbiotic relationships. Assigned readings will be the basis for class discussions, literature research, and writing assignments. Activities include lectures and discussions on readings, one or two films, microscope labs, growing fungi, hikes and field trips, and some eating of different fungi and mushrooms. Note: we will not be foraging for wild mushrooms in the class. While no biology pre-requisite is needed, those with a strong curiosity in the biology of fungi should enroll.
Meeting Dates: 01/02/2024 – 01/24/2024
Meeting Times: M-F 09:00AM – 04:00PM
Meeting Location: TBA
Section Requisites: None
Course Fee: $80
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: $60