Getting a mycology qualification?

hamadryad · #1 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 06:50 PM

As promised I thought I would start this as a thread of my own after poaching large volumes of space on another poor souls thread (apologies!)

I do not know exactly when i started being THIS into the subject but its been a gradual slow set rot that is consuming me ever more year on year. I know want to pursue at least a degree in mycology. However I am certain that many of you know all too well mycology is VERY underfunded, practised and very low on the academic agenda.

I have heard there are now only 8 taxonomists in the u.k?

This is dire for such an important subject, and seems crazy to me as it has to be one of the most challenging areas of study? enough to satisfy the most hardcore of student's/geek's. ( I don't consider Geek a derogatory term)

It is not even easy to find good in depth and reliable sources for self study, certainly in my own area of interest, Wood decay fungi and mycorrhiza's of trees.

Can anyone one with personal knowledge and experience or just those like me seeking a path, contribute to this so I may benefit, as well as others in my situation. find some hope and or path to an education in this fascinating subject.

I am told at least one of you has a LOT to say on this subject, isn't it frustrating?

fairplay · #2 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 07:20 PM

I think you can do no worse than join your local fungus group for starters, and take it from there.

Neil.

hamadryad · #3 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 08:11 PM

yes i am looking into that, found the bucks group, does anyone have details for a herts group?

thanks Neil

thebeard · #4 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 09:37 PM

not really all that relevant, but i was thinking of doing something to do with fungi for my dissertation for by wildlife conservation degree, but couldnt think of a thesis really. it would be nice to see more to do with mycology in academia, there's hardly anything in my course about fungi and i've struggled to find info on other courses.
i do struggle to find resources to research fungi too, though maybe i'm looking in the wrong places and i am a beginner in this area too!

SheffieldLass · #5 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 09:50 PM

I don't think there is a course .... You'd probably have to do a self-funded MSc (research only, not taught course). However if anyone knows of any taught courses, beyond the very basic, SHOUT, please

Otherwise to gain knowledge my guess is that the BMS workshops are probably about as good as you are likely to find.

Melanie

Phungus · #6 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 09:56 PM

Try this link:

Podcasts - Science - Biology Uniformity and Diversity - The Open University

hamadryad · #7 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 11:02 PM

BINGO!

You have no idea how happy that just made me!

courses on fungi, whoooppp whoooop!

thank you

on reflection nowt specifically fungal as in a course but its a good starting point, looks as though I can adapt a BHc course to specific area of study so there is a glimmer of hope.

Phungus · #8 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 11:41 PM

You have to dig to discover the modules of interest but you can build yourself a course to suit.

For a bit of inspiration I like this too:
Paul Stamets on 6 ways mushrooms can save the world | Video on TED.com

hamadryad · #9 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 08:24 AM

Good stuff!

I guess Alan Rayner was my biggest inspiration, he delivered a key speech at the last TEP seminar on Trees, fungi and soil. Talking about "Inclusional theory"

A lot of things held me back and got in the way, but I think I am finally finding a way to reach my potential.

A late bloomer!

SheffieldLass · #10 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 01:49 PM

For anyone in travelling distance of the Sheffield area, there is (I believe) an autumn course in basic fungi identification as a module offered by the Life Long Learning Dept at Sheffield University. Excellent for those new to the subject. (I did it 2 years ago, and almost 20 years ago the earlier version of it, twice

, plus a more advanced one, though that is not run these days). I think it is running this year, as an evening class with some Saturday field trips, but I've not got the course brochure to hand. I will check with the tutor, and will give an update with details. And you don't have to sign up to the whole certificate to do the module, but there are some excellent other modules. (I've done the certificate myself and it is very well taught indeed ... I highly recommend it.)

General details of the certificate:
Natural Sciences

Melanie