MBY 261 Mycology: Study Guide and Semester Structure

MBY 261 Mycology: Study Guide and Semester Structure

Introduction

This study guide provides an overview of the MBY 261 Mycology module, which is part of the Microbiology curriculum at the University of Pretoria. The module introduces students to the fundamental principles of mycology, including fungal structure, metabolism, diversity, genetics, ecology, and biotechnology. The course is structured into 15 study units, each focusing on a specific aspect of fungal biology, and includes both theoretical lectures and practical laboratory sessions.

Module Overview

Purpose and Outcomes

• Purpose: To provide a broad understanding of the structure, metabolism, classification, growth, and diversity of fungi, as well as their interactions with other organisms and basic fungal genetics and genomics.

• Outcomes:

  • Understand the composition and structure of fungi.

  • Comprehend fungal growth, control, and diversity.

  • Apply genetic and genomic concepts to fungi and oomycetes.

  • Integrate mycological knowledge into Microbiology, Plant Pathology, and Medical Sciences.

Module Structure

Lecture and Practical Schedule

The module is divided into 15 study units, each with specific learning outcomes. Lectures are held twice a week, and practicals are scheduled every second week. The practical component is essential for hands-on experience in fungal isolation, identification, and experimental techniques.

Lecture Topics (Study Units)

• SU 1: Introduction to Fungi

• SU 2: Fungal Structures (Differentiation, Development & Conidiogenesis)

• SU 3: Fungal Growth, Nutrient and Environmental Conditions

• SU 4: Fungal Spores, Dormancy and Dispersal

• SU 5: Diversity of Fungi (Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mucoromycota, Oomycota)

• SU 6: Sex in Fungi

• SU 7: Fungal Ecology & Decomposing Fungi

• SU 8: Fungal Symbiosis

• SU 9: Parasitic Fungi of Insects

• SU 10: Parasitic Fungi of Nematodes

• SU 11: Plant Pathogenic Fungi and Oomycetes

• SU 12: Mycotoxins

• SU 13: Fungi of Human Medical Interest

• SU 14: Fungal Genetics and Omics

• SU 15: Fungi in Biotechnology

Practical Sessions

• Prac 1: Lab Safety and Isolation of Micro-organisms

• Prac 2: Purification and Identification of Micro-organisms using Microscopy

• Prac 3: Molecular Identification of Fungal Isolate (Tutorial)

• Prac 4: Biocontrol of Phytopathogenic Fungi

Assessment Structure

• Semester Test 1: Covers Study Units 1–6

• Semester Test 2: Covers Study Units 7–12

• Class Tests: Three MCQ tests covering different study units

• Practical Assignments/Tests: Four practicals, each contributing to the semester mark

• Final Examination: Covers all 15 study units

Detailed Semester Planner

The semester planner provides a week-by-week breakdown of lecture topics, practical sessions, and assessment dates. This helps students manage their time and prepare for each component of the module.

Week	Lecture Topics (SU)	Practical / Test
1	Introduction to Fungi	Prac 1 (Lab Safety & Isolation)
2	Fungal Structures	Prac 1 (cont.)
3	Fungal Growth, Nutrient and Environmental Conditions	Prac 2 (Purification & Microscopy)
4	Fungal Spores, Dormancy and Dispersal	Prac 2 (cont.)
5	Diversity of Fungi	Class Test 1
6	Sex in Fungi	Prac 3 (Molecular Identification)
7	Fungal Ecology & Decomposing Fungi	Prac 3 (cont.)
8	Fungal Symbiosis	Semester Test 1
9	Parasitic Fungi of Insects	Prac 4 (Biocontrol)
10	Parasitic Fungi of Nematodes	Prac 4 (cont.)
11	Plant Pathogenic Fungi and Oomycetes	Class Test 2
12	Mycotoxins	Prac 4 (cont.)
13	Fungi of Human Medical Interest	Semester Test 2
14	Fungal Genetics and Omics	Class Test 3
15	Fungi in Biotechnology	Exam Prep Lecture

Key Study Units and Learning Outcomes

• Fungal Structure and Function: Understanding hyphae, mycelium, cell wall composition, and fungal dimorphism.

• Fungal Growth and Metabolism: Spore germination, nutrient acquisition, and environmental influences on growth.

• Diversity and Classification: Major fungal phyla, reproductive strategies, and life cycles.

• Fungal Ecology and Symbiosis: Roles in decomposition, mutualistic relationships, and ecological strategies.

• Pathogenic Fungi: Plant and animal pathogens, mechanisms of infection, and disease management.

• Fungal Genetics and Biotechnology: Genomics, genetic variation, and applications in industry and research.

Additional Information

• All practicals are compulsory and contribute to the final semester mark.

• Students are expected to prepare for lectures and practicals by reviewing materials posted online.

• Assessment emphasizes understanding, integration, and application of concepts.