260.660.01
Fungi: Friends or Foes?

Location
East Baltimore
Term
3rd Term
Department
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
Tu, Th, 1:30 - 2:50pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Radamés Cordero
Contact Name
Radames Cordero-Gonzalez
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Description
Whether you're a biology enthusiast or a future scientist this course will expand your knowledge and appreciation of the fungal kingdom. Did you know that fungi: •are responsible for 150 million human infections resulting in 1.7 million deaths per year worldwide? •have been a part of human culture since ancient times. •live everywhere and are an integral part of every biome on Earth. •can survive extreme temperatures, radiation, and even outer space. •are the largest living organisms on our planet. •are the source of a large group of antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs. •support a substantial portion of the human diet.
Explores the fascinating world of fungi. Recognizes the role of fungi in various fields from understanding fungal diversity to diving into molecular mechanisms. Discovers why fungi make excellent model organisms, defines their cellular structures, and inspects topics like antifungal epidemics and their relevance in the context of recent pandemics. Recognizes the influence of fungi on mammalian evolution and their role in daily life, from food to biotechnologies. Offers a comprehensive journey into mycology with 14 engaging lectures by mycology experts, interactive discussions, and hands-on assessments.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Recall the basic principles of how some fungi cause diseases in humans.
  2. Recognize the different types of fungal infections (from superficial to systemic), diagnostic tests, and possible treatments for fungal human diseases.
  3. Recognize the current public health problem caused by fungi.
  4. Identify the challenges for the development of anti-fungal therapies.
  5. Demonstrate the importance of fungi in Earth ecosystems, global economy, and our daily lives.
  6. Analyze the rationale behind fungal biotechnologies and brainstorm new potential uses of fungi on Earth and space.
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 10% Participation
  • 30% Presentation(s)
  • 30% Midterm
  • 30% Final Exam
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

We will have guest invited speakers with expertise in the various mycology topics. After each speaker, the students will be required to discuss the main ideas in class.