Ecology, Diversity, and Evolution of Fungi

The purpose of this course is to explore the fungal kingdom from biological, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives. Through a series of lectures, supplemented by group work sessions (tutorials and lab sessions), students will become familiar with these organisms, their biological characteristics (particularly with regard to reproduction), and their roles in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. In addition, the role of fungi in human societies (particularly in food and medicine) will be explored as part of this course unit, which also aims to analyze the links between biodiversity and human societies.

- situate the kingdom Fungi within the body of biological knowledge about organisms that students have acquired during their bachelor's degree program (scope, specificity, evolutionary relationships, etc.)

- incorporate these organisms and the ecological dimension into the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems

- to contextualize mushrooms within the broader framework of societal issues by analyzing their role in our daily lives

- Foundational knowledge of organism biology based on an understanding of animal and plant models. Basic concepts in ecology (beginner level)

Contact information for the person(s) in charge (phone/email): franck.richard@umontpellier.fr