This is a hands-on field, lab and lecture course in the identification, classification, life histories, and ecology of mushrooms and other macrofungi. Lectures focus on macrofungal ecology and systematics. Laboratory instruction emphasizes morphological, microscopic, and molecular identification techniques, plus the use of smart-phone field note recording and on-line resources. Several field trips are required in addition to the weekly laboratory. Previous experience with fungi is not required. Grades are based on a collection, a project, and presentations.

This course is the required companion course to a student's individual capstone experience. It must be taken during the same semester as the individual experience, or in the fall immediately following a summer experience. This course will help connect a student's individual capstone experience to their broader academic program, and will be a forum for sharing individual experiences with peers. Thesis students should enroll in BIOL 780 during the second semester of the thesis. Should also be taken with a pre-approved individual capstone experience.

Independent study in a topic related ot Biology, arranged by the student with a faculty sponsor. Enrollment by permission only.

Independent research requiring a written proposal, a thesis, and a final public presentation (e.g. the Undergraduate Research Conference). Intended for biology majors completing biology Honors-in-major requirements. Contact biology program coordinator prior to senior year to arrange supervision and obtain permission. Two consecutive semesters. (4 credit minimum total; 8 credits maximum).