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Field Course in Mycology
Mykologischer Feldkurs
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:05
Abstract
The course offers an introduction to fungal diversity in the Alps. The focus is on mapping, collecting, and documenting in the field. Through excursions, mapping, and identification work, students learn about fungal and lichen biodiversity, important groups, and the ecological characteristics of various subalpine and alpine habitats.
Objective
Students - acquire knowledge of species and practical skills in identifying fungi, especially basidiomycetes - learn methods of scientific collection, documentation, and herbarium preparation of fungal specimens - independently carry out mapping work in different habitats - work with mycological literature and digital mapping tools - recognize and describe macro- and microscopic characteristics of selected fungal groups - understand ecological relationships and conditions for the occurrence of different fungal communities
Content
The mycological field course provides students with practical insight into the biodiversity of fungi and lichens in the Alps. The course focuses on mapping, collecting, documenting, and preserving fungi, especially basidiomycetes, in the field. This is preceded by a theoretical introduction to the ecology and systematics of the groups covered, as well as the necessary methodology. During excursions in the Albula region in selected habitats and subsequent processing of the finds, students learn about important fungal groups and characteristic species, understand their ecological significance, and apply methods of mapping and scientific collection. The main topics covered are: - Habitats of typical fungal communities (e.g., spruce, larch, Swiss stone pine forests, dwarf shrub heaths, alpine grasslands, snow valleys) - Influence of substrate, climate, and vegetation on the occurrence of fungi - Getting to know selected fungal groups and characteristic species - Methods of collecting, documenting, and mapping fungi in the field - Identification of finds (macroscopic & microscopic) and herbarium preparation of specimens - Ecological and functional roles of fungi in alpine ecosystems - Introduction to mycological identification literature and digital recording and mapping systems
Resources
Lecture Notes
Scripts will be handed out.
Literature
Technical literature will be provided in the lecture room.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 10
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| practical/laboratory course |
Mykologischer Feldkurs
Permission from lecturers required for all students.
Feldkurs während der vorlesungsfreien Zeit: 24.08. + 31.08.-05.09.2026
Ort: Einführung in Zürich (ETH LFV B42.2), Feldkurs in Preda (Bergün Filisur, GR), mit Tagesexkursionen in der montanen und alpinen Stufe
Unterkunft: Gasthaus Sonnenhof, Preda
Definitive schriftliche Anmeldung bei den Dozierenden bis 31.05.2026 erforderlich (
)
|
No time listed | 48 h semesterly |