Biology of Algae and Fungi

Code:

BIOL1012

Acronym:

BIOL1012

Level:

100

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2024/2025 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Biology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:B	191	Official Study Plan	1	-	6	48	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The students are expected to acquire basic knowledge on general phycology, mycology and lichenology, focusing on different aspects of the biology of algae, fungi and lichens, and the biological value of these organisms. Practical classes are aimed to carry out experiments, including the observation and physiological aspects of selected algae, fungi and lichens.

Learning outcomes and competences

The syllabuses were designed in order to meet the above objectives and develop the competencies assigned. These syllabuses aim to acquire basic knowledge about the diversity and biology of algae, fungi and lichens in different environments and possible nutritional and biotechnological applications.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

None.

Program

Lectures

 

ALGAE

Introduction to algology and general concepts. Cellular structures typical of algae. The origin of chloroplasts and of algae. The endosymbioses and the different lines of algae. Study of the different groups of algae: Glaucophyta, Chlorophyta, Euglenophya, Chlorarachniophyta, Rhodophyta, Cryptophyta, Haptophyta, Dinophyta e Ochrophyta.
Fisiology and ecology of algae. The main roles of algae in ecossystems. pPotential applications of algae: traditional, actual and in the future. 

 

FUNGI & LICHENS

The fungi. General characteristics. Somatic structures. Cell wall. Hyphal septa. The fungal spore. Origin and taxonomy.

Main Divisions in the fungi. The asexual and sexual cycles. Systematic and Taxonomy.

Mycotoxins and mycotoxycosis. Poisonous and hallucinogenic mushrooms. Mushrooms as food and medicines. 

Lichens. General characteristics. Applied biology of lichens. Lichen substances and their functions. Lichens as dyes. Lichens as bioindicators of air quality.

 The role and importance of fungi and lichens in the ecossystems

Practical classes

 

ALGAE

Observation of selected macroalgae and microalgae. Vegetative and reproductive structures. Life cycles.

Extraction of photosynthetic pigments.

 

FUNGI & LICHENS

Observation of selected fungi.

Observation of lichens. Internal organization, reproductive structures and color tests.

 

Mandatory literature

WEBSTER, J. & WEBER, R. W. S. ; INTRODUCTION TO FUNGI. , Cambridge University Press, 2007
Lee Robert Edward 1942-; Phycology. ISBN: 978-0-521-68277-0
Laura Barsanti, Paolo Gualtieri; Algae : anatomy, biochemistry, and biotechnology , 2006. ISBN: 978-0-8493-1467-4

Complementary Bibliography

Lobban Christopher S.; The physiological ecology of seaweeds. ISBN: 978-0-521-26508-9 0-521-26508-8
Patrick J. Keeling; The endosymbiotic origin, diversification and fate of plastids, 2010. ISBN: Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B (2010) 365, 729–748
Lewis LA, McCourt RM.; Green algae and the origin of land plants, 2004. ISBN: Am J Bot. 2004 Oct;91(10):1535-56

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures are given interactively with students.

In practical classes, students carry out themselves the experiments. The results are discussed at the end of each experiment. Students have at their disposal a guide to practical work, with the description of all experiences, and references to support key laboratorial classes.

In the system-SIGARRA FCUP additional information for the study of materials of theoretical and practical classes is provided.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Frequência das aulas	48,00
Total:	48,00

Eligibility for exams

Students are required to attend at least 3/4 of the given practical classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

Corresponds to the classification of the final exam with the duration of 2h. The exam includes questions about the contents of the lectures (T) and of the practical classes (TP). 

Exam:
Algae Part - 10 values: 7 part T, 3 part TP;
Part Fungi and Lichen - 10 values: 7 part T, 3 part TP.

To have approval to the discipline the student has to have a mark equal or higher than 9.5 values.

Examinations or Special Assignments

None.

Internship work/project

None.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

None.