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551-1130-00L 4 Credits MSC D-BIOL
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Selected Topics in Mycology

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Markus Künzler
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:40

Abstract

The lecture will provide insight into the current knowledge and research on selected aspects of the fungal lifestyle. The various topics will be presented by experts in their fields. The lecture builds on the basic understanding of the fungal lifestyle taught as part of the lecture 'Fundamentals in Biology III-Multicellularity' as well as various blockcourses during the Biology bachelor.

Objective

The students: are able to explain the essence of the fungal lifestyle in the light of its evolution. are aware of current methods for monitoring fungi in the environment. are able to understand the role of fungi in global ecology and ecosystem conservation and restoration. are able to give examples for antagonistic, neutral and mutualistic interactions between fungi and other organisms including animals, plants, algae, bacteria and viruses and explain their significance in ecology, medicine and agriculture. are able to explain the danger of the dual use of antifungals/fungicides in medicine and agriculture. are aware of and can explain human applications of fungi in biocontrol (agriculture) as well as food and materials production.

Content

Introduction and recapitulation of the fungal lifestyle (Markus Künzler, ETH Zürich, D-BIOL) Monitoring and conservation of fungi in the environment (Andrin Gross, WSL Birmensdorf) Global fungal diversity patterns and ecosystem conservation and restoration (Laura van Galen, ETH Zürich, D-USYS) Antagonistic interactions: Fungal defense against animal micropredators and bacterial competitors (Markus Künzler, ETH Zürich, D-BIOL) Antagonistic interactions: Fungal pathogens of plants and mycoviruses (Simone Prospero, WSL Birmensdorf) Antagonistic interactions: Fungal pathogens of insects/Biological control of insects using fungi (Jürg Enkerli, Agroscope) Antagonistic interactions: Fungal pathogens of humans and animals (Salomé Leibundgut-Landmann, University of Zürich, Vetsuisse) Environmental yeasts and biocontrol of plant pathogenic fungi (Florian Freimoser, Agroscope) Mutualistic interactions with plants I: Endomycorrhiza (Franz Bender, Agroscope and University of Zürich, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology) Mutualistic interactions with plants II: Ectomycorrhiza (Martina Peter-Baltensweiler, WSL Birmensdorf) Mutualistic interactions with algae/cyanobacteria: Lichen (Monica Andrea Garcia Otalora, ETH Zürich, D-USYS) Applications: Fungi in material science (Jonas Staub, Mycrobez) and Mushroom cultivation for food production (Cécile Villiger, Fine Funghi AG) Problem of antifungal/fungicide resistance in fungal pathogens of humans (Alix Coste, CHUV Lausanne) and Answering of student questions (ideally all lecturers)

Resources

Lecture Notes

None

Literature

Announced by the various lecturers

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 100 minutes
Aids
Keine
Digital
The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
Written exam of 100 min at the last lecture date (28.05.24), can be conducted on the computer

Registration & Places

Max Places
40

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Selected Topics in Mycology
  • Tue 10:15-12:00 (HG E 22)
2 h weekly

Offered In