Course Overview

The goal of this course is to introduce students the important and current researches in molecular mycology. Students who are willing to take this course should have basic mycology and molecular biology knowledge. The course is designed as a small class and students are encouraged to participate in class discussion. This course for this semester will meet three hours each time during the span of two weeks. This semester, we will cover two main topics, development and pathogenesis, of fungi. We will use model fungal organisms such as Aspergillus, Neurospora, Fusarium and Magnaporthe to introduce the cell biology and genetic controls of sexual and asexual differentiation in fungi. We will also discuss the sporulation pathway from the evolution point of view. We will also cover the developmental processes and pathogenesis of Magnaporthe, genetic control of pathogenic development, determinants of virulence and pathogenicity, genetic control of virulence, and molecular interactions between pathogen and host. We will also cover secondary metabolism/evolution of secondary metabolism of fungi. Techniques, philosophy of experimental approaches related to these studies will be also discussed. The grade will be determined by the two take home examinations and class participation.

Learning Achievement

The goal of this course is to introduce students the important and current researches in molecular mycology.

Competence

Course prerequisites

The knowledge of mycology and molecular biology is required.

Grading Philosophy

Course schedule

Course type

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Wei-Chiang Shen

Other information

(College of Bioresources and Agriculture) Graduate Institute of Plant Pathology,
(College of Bioresources and Agriculture) Department of Plant Pathology

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