BIOL 291 - Medical and Medicinal Mycology

1.00

Mycology is the study of fungi. This course explores the ways in which fungi can be both beneficial and harmful to humans, and explores the relationship human societies have had with fungi. Fungi can infect several types of tissues (skin, mucous membranes, and the brain) to cause diseases termed mycoses, and also can produce “mycotoxins” that are poisonous or hallucinogenic. But, fungi are also used for medicinal and/or biomedical research purposes, and are an important component in the food, drink, and traditions of many cultures. This course covers topics of fungal biology and diversity, human physiology, immunology, pharmacology, and explores various cultural effects of fungi. Prerequisites: 1 - 100 level biology; CHEM 110. Prerequisites: One 100-level BIOL, BOMI, or ZOOL course and CHEM 110, or permission of instructor. (Group II)