Algae and Fungi

Recommended Prerequisites

General knowledge of Biology.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical, practical and laboratory, field and tutorial.

Learning Outcomes

General knowledge about the diversity and biology of the major groups of algae and fungi and their overall importance.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Introduction to the study of algae, fungi and lichens.
Module I: Methods of collection, preservation and identification. Exemplification in the field and in the laboratory.
Module II: Biology of organisms. General characteristics of the major phyla - cell structure, life cycles, diversity and classification; lichen symbiosis - diversity and reproduction. Identification of relevant genera of algae, fungi and lichens.
Module III. Ecological and economic importance - the algae as the base of food webs in aquatic systems, nitrogen fixation by cyanophytes, effects of eutrophication, importance and use of some groups or species; fungi as global decomposers, parasites, constituents of mycorrhizae and lichens, pathogens, promoters of fermentations, source of food and medicines. The relevance of knowledge acquired. 

Head Lecturer(s)

Leonel Carlos dos Reis Tomás Pereira

Assessment Methods

Assessement
Exam: 50.0%
Project: 50.0%

Bibliography

DEACON, J.W. (1997). Modern Mycology Blackwell Science Ltd. Oxford.

GRAHAM, L.E., & WILCOX, L.W. (2000). Algae. NJ.: Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River.

RAVEN, P.H. Evert, R.F. & EICHORN, S.E. (2005). Biology of Plants. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company Publishers.

PURVIS, W. (2000). Lichens: Natural History Museum. London.