COASTAL AND MARINE MYCOLOGY - BIOL 359
DR. CHRIS SMYTH - LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY
Course Description:
This course will explore the diversity, ecology and evolution of coastal and marine fungal species. Marine fungi are an understudied and underappreciated group of organisms. Like many microorganisms, marine fungi play integral roles in ecology and biogeochemistry in coastal and ocean ecosystems. These fungi can be found anywhere from beach sand to marine sponges. Through this course, students will gain an understanding and appreciation for the diversity of fungi thriving in the maritime forests, estuaries, salt marshes, eelgrass beds and the coastal waters of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
The focus of this class is to survey the fungal diversity of the near-pristine coastal and marine ecosystems of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the Assateague Island National Seashore. There is very little known about fungal diversity in these areas. As a class, we will work to create and publish species lists with real-world implications in the discovery, documentation and conservation of fungi.
Marketable Skills Gained from This Course:
General Description of Field Activities:
Field trips will include hikes, kayaking, as well as use of the CBFS monitor boats.
Students will visit a number of ecosystems to observe collect fungi, including:
Approximate Amount of Course Time Spent in Field:
TBD
Prerequisites:
One College Level Biology Course
Required Textbook or Supplies:
Number of Students:
9-11
Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
Salicornia: $1,179
Traditional: $1,079
Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the board of directors
* Does not include university tuition or fees. For specific policy on CBFS fees, click HERE.
This course will explore the diversity, ecology and evolution of coastal and marine fungal species. Marine fungi are an understudied and underappreciated group of organisms. Like many microorganisms, marine fungi play integral roles in ecology and biogeochemistry in coastal and ocean ecosystems. These fungi can be found anywhere from beach sand to marine sponges. Through this course, students will gain an understanding and appreciation for the diversity of fungi thriving in the maritime forests, estuaries, salt marshes, eelgrass beds and the coastal waters of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
The focus of this class is to survey the fungal diversity of the near-pristine coastal and marine ecosystems of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the Assateague Island National Seashore. There is very little known about fungal diversity in these areas. As a class, we will work to create and publish species lists with real-world implications in the discovery, documentation and conservation of fungi.
Marketable Skills Gained from This Course:
- Collection and preservation of fungal specimens in the field and lab
- Field data collection and analyses
- Fungal biodiversity survey techniques
- Mushroom Identification
- Identification of Marine Fungi
- Microbiological Culturing Techniques
- Light Microscopy
- Critical evaluation of peer-reviewed literature
General Description of Field Activities:
Field trips will include hikes, kayaking, as well as use of the CBFS monitor boats.
Students will visit a number of ecosystems to observe collect fungi, including:
- Maritime forests
- Dunes
- Mudflats
- Intertidal zones
- Eelgrass beds
- Estuaries
- Salt marshes
Approximate Amount of Course Time Spent in Field:
TBD
Prerequisites:
One College Level Biology Course
Required Textbook or Supplies:
- A Hand Lens of at least 10x magnification (will include recommendations)
- A field notebook with “Rite in the Rain” paper (Example - Rite in the Rain All-Weather Side-Spiral Notebook, 4 5/8" x 7", Yellow Cover, Field Pattern (No. 353N) - Seller: Amazon
Number of Students:
9-11
Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
Salicornia: $1,179
Traditional: $1,079
Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the board of directors
* Does not include university tuition or fees. For specific policy on CBFS fees, click HERE.
