1. Symbiosis
Historical view on lichens. Principles of lichen symbiosis, evolution of lichenization. Taxonomical view on lichenized fungi. Fungus-alga associations, photobiont, mycobiont. Symbiosis, parasymbiosis, parasitism.

2. Morphology, Reproduction
Thallus morphology, growth forms. Anatomy of lichen thallus. Cephalodia. Sexual reproduction, morphology of ascocarps. Vegetative propagules. Growth and dispersal. Growth rate, lichenometry.

3. Photobionts

4. Physiology
Water relations. Light and photosynthesis. Respiration. Mineral nutrition, nitrogen fixation.

5. Ecology
Substrate ecology. Competition and succession. Biogeography.

6. Bioindication
Air pollution, heavy metals and radionuclides. Impact of agricuture. Approaches and methods of environmental monitoring.

7. Lichen chemistry
Secondary metabolites - classification and biosynthesis. Identification methods. Role of lichen products. Uses of lichens.

8. Taxonomy and classification
Characters and their value. Taxonomic categories. Taxonomic delimitation of lichens, evolution of lichen systems. Concept of modern system of fungi.