Studying mycology

I'm not sure if this is in the right forum.

I am interested in mycology. After I finish my current degree (software engineering) I would like to spend some time studying this subject. I have searched far and wide for courses in Ireland that offer degrees (or even diplomas/certs) in mycology, alas I have come up empty-handed. There appear to be some in the UK, but not here.

There is a course in Maynooth (biomedical studies or something along those lines) which offers mycology as a single subject and I know they have a medical mycology unit there. However, I'm looking for something as simple "BSc. in Mycology" or equivalent.

Am I missing something or is Ireland devoid of any courses devoted specifically to this field of study? Thanks.

jen_23

Hey!

Mycology is the study of fungi. You will come across this in most micro degrees.
I did a bioscience course and we did do a bit on all that. Obviously that was bioscience it ranged across biochemistry, analytical science, micro, chemistry, environmental science etc....

But there are some more specific Micro courses out there which you could chose from.

Would you think about doing a microbiology degree??
Microbiology would cover all microscopic bugs .. bacteria, virus yeast and fungi.

This is one in trinity dublin which seems good if your into learning about bugs:) http://www.tcd.ie/courses/undergraduate/az/course.php?id=92


I had a look and I did find a masters that had advanced classes in mycology in UCC http://www.ucc.ie/en/CKR19/, However, you do need a relevant primary degree e.g. bioscience, microbiology.

What exactly are you hoping to achieve out of a course in mycology? As in what would you like to work in afterwards?
I ask this because there are plenty of degrees that will cover fungi, and other microbes and infectious disease etc which may suit you if that's what you want.

It probably would be hard to find a course devoted totally to mycology in Ireland.

You could however, If you wanted, do an honours degree in a microbiology based degree and then do a masters in a mycology based research project.

Hope this helped some bit.

Best of luck with it all!!

Kevster

Hi,

Why are you interested in Mycology and so sure that you want to study it? I think you should more focus on studying Microbiology, and then - afterwards - looking to specialise in Mycology if it so takes your interest.

Kevin

I wish to study mycology simply because I find fungi, especially saprotrophic moulds, fascinating. I admit this is a pretty narrow field to be pursuing but it is just something which has caught my eye and sparked my interest. Call it a passion, I suppose.

I haven't given a career in the field much thought. I am more interested in learning about the topic than using it to earn money, although I wouldn't mind becoming a researcher or teacher in order to put my knowledge to use.

I'll take a look at microbiology courses around the country which seem to be abundant. Thanks very much for the helpful tips.

jen_23

I wish to study mycology simply because I find fungi, especially saprotrophic moulds, fascinating. I admit this is a pretty narrow field to be pursuing but it is just something which has caught my eye and sparked my interest.

Thats great that your that passionate about something.

I haven't given a career in the field much thought. I am more interested in learning about the topic

I would suggest though to think carefully about doing a few years course if your not interested in pursueing a career
I only say this as you can get extremely specific books on fungi if it is just an interest.

I wouldn't mind becoming a researcher or teacher in order to put my knowledge to use.

I would reccomend getting into research if you end up doing a course not that teaching wouldn't be great but if you love mycology that much you would enjoy getting elbow deep in it even more. You learn ten times more in research than you ever would in a class room!! (just my opinion )

I hope it all works out.