MUSHROOMS
An introduction to fungi. The fungal kingdom is made up of millions of species. We use fungi to brew beer and make cheese, as medicines, and as symbols of both rampant decay and unstinting selflessness. Come unpack the mythology and walk away with a deep appreciation of a poorly understood but fascinating part of Earth's biodiversity.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: None Course Designation: Core GenEd - Natural Science & Wellness + Lab Breadth - Biological Science Level - Elementary L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Notice, recognize, and catalog fungi as you walk in the world; in Madison and in all of Earth’s lands and waters. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Explain the myriad ecological roles fungi play on planet Earth. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Talk about fungal biodiversity at length and in depth. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Think critically about the natural world; be able to not just read but also critique popular science writing. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Interpret "how science gets done" and what constitutes scientific knowledge. Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Notice, recognize, and catalog fungi as you walk in the world; in Madison and in all of Earth’s lands and waters. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Explain the myriad ecological roles fungi play on planet Earth. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Talk about fungal biodiversity at length and in depth. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Think critically about the natural world; be able to not just read but also critique popular science writing. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Interpret "how science gets done" and what constitutes scientific knowledge. Audience: Undergraduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027
- Catalogue entry ↗
Catalogue variants
- MUSHROOMS · 3 credits.