VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Selected Topics in Mycology
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:01
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 soil ecology and the impacts of environmental factors (including anthropogenic factors) on soil fungal communities. 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) Soil fungal communities: diversity patterns and derived ecosystem functions (Florian Gschwend, Agroscope) 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 (Patrick Romanens, 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
Learning Materials (Links)
- Moodle course
- Moodle-Kurs / Moodle course
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.
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 40
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Selected Topics in Mycology |
|
2 h weekly |