What is Mycology?

Science stream is a versatile field of study which encompasses every aspect of the physical and natural world from Biology and Life Sciences to Engineering and Technology. These aspects range as far as the universe’s intricacies and puzzling problems to the everyday life of human beings. It is by the virtue of the different branches of Science that we have an understanding of the world around us. When it comes to Biological Sciences, one of the intriguing sub-fields is Mycology. It studies fungi, their unique features and relationship with other organisms. Amongst the sought-after branches of Biology, it is extensively used in various fields like healthcare, food industry or chemical industry. This blog explores the essential features of what is Mycology, degrees offered in this field, top universities as well as its career scope.

What is all Mycology?

Mycology is a branch of Biology which is primarily concerned with fungi and explores its genetic and biochemical properties. Alongside, it also examines its taxonomy and how it can be used by human beings as a source for traditional medicine, food, and entheogens. This helps in comprehending the hazardous impact of fungi as well. Mycology also branches into the area of Phytopathology, which is the study of plant diseases. These two disciplines are closely related to each other because of the fact that the huge majority of plant pathogens are just fungi.

Popular Courses in Mycology

Being a highly specific field of study, Mycology does not have many dedicated courses at the undergraduate level. Most of the courses in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, etc. study this field is a quintessential discipline in their curriculum. To help you find a suitable program in this field, we have enlisted all the major undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate degrees in Mycology.

Undergraduate Courses in Mycology

BSc Bioinformatics	BSc in Plant Sciences – Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology	BSc (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) – Plant Biology
BSc in Microbiology	BSc in Biological Sciences (General)	Bachelor of Science in Forest Health
BSc in Genetics (Honours)	BSc in Botany	BSc in Biological Science Education
Bachelor of Arts in Biology – Microbiology	BSc in Medical Laboratory Science	BSc in Biodiversity and Conservation

Postgraduate Courses in Mycology

MSc in Plant Sciences	Master of Professional Studies in Forest Pathology and Mycology	Immunology of Infectious Diseases (MSc)
MSc in Plant Pathology	MSc in Food Science	MSc Microbiology
MSc/PGDip Medical Microbiology	MSc in Tropical Medicine	Integrated MSc Pest Management
MRes Medical Mycology and Fungal Immunology	MSc in Toxicology – Plant Pathology	MSc in Plant Biology

Doctorate Courses in Mycology

Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology	Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Microbiology
Doctor of Philosophy in Forest Pathology and Mycology	Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology – Mycology
Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry	Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Pathology
Doctor of Philosophy in Toxicology – Plant Pathology	PhD Medical Mycology
Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science	Arctic Mycology (PhD)

Top Universities

Now that you are familiar with the major courses offered in this field, let’s take a look at some of the top-notch universities you must consider for studying a degree in Mycology.

University	Country
Michigan State University	USA
Cornell University	USA
University of Manitoba	Canada
Brigham Young University	USA
The University of Exeter	UK
The University of Manchester	UK
Aberdeen University	USA
University of Georgia	USA
Louisiana State University	USA
University of Saskatchewan	Canada
Harper Adams University	UK
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine	UK
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry	USA
Western Illinois University	USA

Career Prospects

With an immense scope in Biology as a career, graduates can explore a wide range of job opportunities in Mycology across several sectors from Food Science to Clinical and Medical Research. Let’s see some of the major career prospects in Mycology:

• Associate Research Scientist/Biologist
• General Microbiology TB/Mycology Microbiologist Supervisor
• Senior Microbiologist
• Bacteriologist
• Plant Pathologist
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist
• Plant Pathologist
• Clinical Pathologist / Clinical Microbiologist
• Research Zoologist/ Microbiologist, Veterinary Medical Officer
• Public Health Microbiologist

Hope this blog has provided you with all the quintessential information regarding what is Mycology and the career opportunities it has on offer! Aiming to study a degree in Biology? Get in touch with our Leverage Edu experts and we will assist you in exploring the best course and university combinations that suit your career goals and preferences! Sign up for a free session with us now!