Course Goals:		An introduction to the principles and practices of growing edible mushrooms
Entry Level :		A general background in biology or microbiology (Biological Sciences 10 or Microbiology 20 or an equivalent course) is highly recommended; some knowledge of mycology, such as PLP 148 or SAS 120, is desirable; or consent of instructor.
Course Format:		One hour of lecture and one 3-hour discussion/laboratory per week. The course introduces methods of growing edible mushrooms, including culture maintenance, basic mushroom substrate preparation, composting, spawn generation techniques, inoculation methods, harvesting, and pest management. The history of mushroom production and recent trends in the diversification of edible mushrooms will be discussed. The biology of individual edible mushrooms will be covered. Laboratories involve culturing and producing edible mushrooms.  Grades will be determined by the results of a midterm and final examination (50% of total), laboratory notebook  (40%), and class participation (10% of total).
Topical Outline:		1.  History of mushroom production 2.  Biology of edible mushrooms 3.  Sterile technique and culture maintenance 4.  Substrate preparation 5.  Composting 6.  Spawn generation techniques 7.  Inoculation methods 8.  Incubation and harvesting 9.  Pests and pest management 10.  Agaricus bisporus cultivation 11.    Wood decomposers: the cultivation of Shiitake, oysters, Maitake, Reishi and others 12.    Collecting wild mushrooms