FUNGAL BIOLOGY
PLANT PATHOLOGY 460/660
FALL SEMESTER - 2010
Instructor:
Dr. Rubella Goswami
Assistant Professor
Walster 317
Department of Plant Pathology
North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND 58105
Tel: 701-231-7077
E-mail: Rubella.Goswami@ndsu.edu
Office hours: By Appointment
Classroom: Lecture and lab in Walster 315
Class Hours: Lecture M, W - 10 to 10:50 a.m.; Lab Tu, 1:00-2:50 p.m.
Fungal biology is an introductory course in Mycology. We will cover fungal morphology,
classification, ecology, physiology, genetics, reproduction, life cycles, economic uses
(industrial, biotechnology) and importance in the ecosystem, and their role in our
culture. I hope you will find this group of organisms fascinating and the class enjoyable.
Exams: There are two general lecture exams, a final lecture exam, a lab exam, a mini
review paper, one lab report (unknowns) and a grant proposal (for graduate students
only). The lecture exams will be a mixture of multiple choice and short answer
questions. The final exam may have some essay type questions as well, and will
include all the topics covered.
Assignments: The lab report on unknowns has to be written in the form of a journal
paper with proper citations (follow the ‘Plant Disease’ style). Your term paper (mini
review) and grant proposal can be on any topic related to Fungal Biology (follow
‘Molecular Plant Pathology’ Style). Titles for the mini-review and grant proposal need to
be approved by the instructor before Sept 22 and abstracts are due for both by Oct 20.
Guidelines for mini-review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
It must be well written and organized and typed double spaced with 1” margins.
References should be cited as per the journal Plant Disease.
References should be recent and have up-to-date information.
The organization of the paper is your choice but use subtitles.
A 250 word abstract should be included at the beginning of the paper.
An example of the format will be provided to you.
Papers by undergraduates must be a minimum of 8 pages of text followed by the
references Papers by grad students must be a minimum of 11 pages of text
followed by the references.
Graduate students are also required to write and present a grant proposal on a topic of
their choice. This has to be written according to the USDA-CSREES requirements
(guidelines available at http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfas/pdfs/08_specialty_crop.pdf). If you choose to
write on the organism you work with, be sure to choose an area that is different from
your graduate project.
Attendance: Lab and class attendance is mandatory. There are no prescribed texts but
readings assigned from time to time and will be included in the exam. A maximum of
two excused absences from class (1 lab and 1 lecture) may be allowed with prior
permission from the instructor. Points will be awarded for each lecture or lab attended.
Marks and grading:
Two lecture exams (100 pts each)
Final lecture exam
Lab exam
Lab report on unknown fungi
(undergrads receive 1 unknown;
grads receive 2 unknowns)
Mini review
Grant proposal (Grad students only)
(presentation 50 points, writing 100 points)
Attendance
Class assignments
Total Points
PPTH 660
200
200
50
150
PPTH 460
200
200
50
100
100
150
100
0
50
50
50
50
950
750
NOTE: Professional behavior is expected in the class and laboratory. Lab exercises, if
required, must be handed in each lab period. Exercises and other assignments not
handed in or incomplete will result in a 10 pt deduction per day. Copying in any form or
plagiarism is not acceptable and will result in serious penalties.
Course grading is based on the following scale: 90-100%=A; 80-90%=B; 70-80%=C;
60-70%=D; and below 60%=F.
Academic Honesty: All work in this course must be completed in a manner consistent
with NDSU University Senate Policy, Section 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and
Conduct that can be found at http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/335.htm
The College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources has an Honor
System (http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/colag/honor.htm), which believes that a student
has the privilege and responsibility to perform honestly and responsibly. Exams will
include the following pledge which students are required to sign before their exam will
be accepted: “On my honor I have neither given nor received aid in completing this
assignment.” An indication of dishonesty will be referred to the Honor Commission
made up of students. The instructor also retains the privilege of deducting points if he
deems that the action is warranted.
Disability Accommodations: Students that may require disability accommodations for
this course are encouraged to speak with the instructor and/or the Disability Services
Office (231-7671) as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
LECTURE SCHEDULE- 2010
Aug
25
Introduction to fungi
Sept
1
Overview of fungal classification
8
Chytridiomycota & Zygomycota
13
Ascomycota
15
Basidiomycota
20
Fungus like organisms
22
Case studies
27
Recap and discussion
29
No lecture-Lab continued
4
Exam I
6
Structure and Function of fungi
11
Nutrition and Metabolism
13
Differentiation and Development I
18
Differentiation and Development II
20
Genetics and Genomics I
25
Genetics and Genomics II
27
Sporulation and Dispersal
1
Recap and discussion
3
EXAM II
8
Prep for Mini-Review and Grant Proposal-No lecture
10
Fungal interaction
15
Fungal Symbiosis
17
Roles of Fungi-I
22
Roles of Fungi-II
24
Disease Management-I
29
Disease Management-II
1
Grant Proposal Presentation
6
Grant Proposal Presentation
8
Recap and discussion
13
Final Exam
Oct
Nov
Dec
LAB SCHEDULE - 2010
Aug
31
Basic Methods in Mycology, Start Unknowns
Sept
7
Chytridiomycota & Zygomycota
14
Ascomycetes
21
Mushroom ID, Pure cultures should be available
28
DNA extraction for unknowns and gel (Long lab)
29
PCR and prep for sequencing (lab replaces lecture)
5
Basidiomycetes
12
Fungus like organisms
19
Koch’s postulates
26
Molecular ID
2
Evaluate pathogenicity and reisolate
9
Other fungal structures and finish up unknowns
16
Lab exam prep
23
Submit Lab report
30
Lab exam
7
Work on mini-review & Grant proposal
10
Mini-review and Grant Proposal submission
Oct
Nov
Dec
IMPORTANT DATES
Oct
4
EXAM I
Sept
22
Approval of topics for mini-review and grant proposal
Oct
20
Abstracts due
Nov
3
EXAM II
Nov
18
Lab report due
Nov
25
LAB EXAM
Dec
1
Grant proposal presentation
Dec
3
Grant proposal presentation
Dec
10
Grant proposal submission
Dec
13
FINAL EXAM