Antifungal Resistance & Emerging Fungal Pathogens
Why fungal threats such as Candida auris and azole-resistant Aspergillus are rising, and how resistance is detected and tackled.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Antifungal Resistance & Emerging Fungal Pathogens
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Mycology & Fungal Science. A Fungaris programme of its own, not endorsed by a university.
- 1.4Mode of study
- Online, with live sessions in a small group, recordings and a virtual campus.
- 1.5Duration (hours / ECTS credits)
- 3 months (12 weeks) · 72 hours in total · 6 modules of 12 hours · 12 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own programme, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: 11 January 2027 to 2 April 2027. Enrolment closes on 4 January 2027. Following intake: 8 March 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Programme description
Antifungal Resistance & Emerging Fungal Pathogens examines why some fungal threats are increasing and how health and laboratory professionals respond. The course starts with the WHO Fungal Priority Pathogens List and the reasons it was created, then explains the molecular mechanisms that allow fungi to resist azoles, echinocandins and polyenes. You will study Candida auris and other multidrug-resistant yeasts, azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus and its links with agricultural fungicide use, and the methods used for susceptibility testing and surveillance.
With limited antifungal drug classes and growing resistance, fungal infections are now firmly on the public health agenda. This course is educational and does not provide clinical training or treatment advice; it suits clinical, laboratory and public health professionals who need a current, evidence-based understanding of the problem and how it is tackled. The final module covers stewardship, infection control and new antifungals in development. For the final project you will prepare a briefing on resistance in one priority pathogen, including mechanisms, detection, surveillance data sources and control measures.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in fungal science, useful in areas such as hospitals and clinical laboratories, public health agencies, pharmaceutical research, agricultural policy and regulation.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This programme gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgement and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the programme able to apply its content professionally and with judgement. In short:
Why fungal threats such as Candida auris and azole-resistant Aspergillus are rising, and how resistance is detected and tackled.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: The WHO Fungal Priority Pathogens List; Mechanisms of Antifungal Resistance.
- Put them into practice: Candida auris and Multidrug-resistant Yeasts; Azole Resistance in Aspergillus and Agricultural Links.
- Apply everything to a real case: Susceptibility Testing and Surveillance; Stewardship, Infection Control and New Antifungals.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Explain the purpose and contents of the WHO fungal priority pathogens list.
- Describe the main molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance.
- Summarise the epidemiology and detection challenges of Candida auris.
- Explain links between agricultural azole use and clinical resistance.
- Interpret susceptibility testing results and surveillance reports.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Clinical, lab and public health professionals.
4.2Entry requirements
A background in microbiology, health science or laboratory work is recommended. No equipment is needed.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Clinical microbiology laboratory scientist
- Infection prevention and control practitioner
- Public health surveillance officer
- Antimicrobial stewardship team member
- Research assistant in antifungal resistance
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | The WHO Fungal Priority Pathogens List | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Mechanisms of Antifungal Resistance | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Candida auris and Multidrug-resistant Yeasts | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Azole Resistance in Aspergillus and Agricultural Links | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Susceptibility Testing and Surveillance | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Stewardship, Infection Control and New Antifungals | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| Total | 72 |
6 modules × 12 hours = 72 hours: 24 hours of live sessions, and the rest for campus study, exercises and the final project.
5.2Content by module
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- Why the list was created
- Critical, high and medium priority groups
- Research and surveillance gaps
- Drug targets and modes of action
- Target alterations and efflux pumps
- Tolerance, biofilms and persistence
- Emergence and spread of C. auris
- Laboratory identification challenges
- Other resistant yeasts
- Azole resistance mechanisms in A. fumigatus
- Environmental selection by fungicides
- One Health implications
- Broth microdilution and breakpoints
- Molecular detection of resistance
- National and international surveillance
- Antifungal stewardship principles
- Infection prevention measures
- New antifungal classes in development
5.3Company placement
This programme does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
A briefing on resistance in one priority fungal pathogen covering mechanisms, detection, surveillance and control.
Methodology
6.1How it is taught
- Live online sessions, usually weekly, with a working professional and a small group.
- Recordings of every session, so you can catch up if work or time zones get in the way.
- Exercises and real case studies in every module.
- Tutoring: your tutor answers questions and gives feedback on your exercises and project.
6.2Platform and resources
A Moodle virtual campus with session recordings, readings, exercises and forums for each module. You need a computer, an up-to-date browser and a stable connection; a webcam and microphone are recommended.
Technical requirements →6.3Estimated weekly workload
About 6 hours a week for 12 weeks: one 2-hour live session on a weekday evening, plus study and exercises on the campus at your own pace.
Assessment
7.1Assessment system and weighting
Assessment combines participation in live sessions, case-based module exercises and a final project reviewed by the tutor.
7.2Requirements to pass
- Complete every module, by attending the live sessions or watching the recordings.
- Hand in the module exercises.
- Have your final project approved by your tutor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Fungal Science school coordinates the content and quality of this programme. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The tutor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Course Certificate
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
9.2Issuing body / recognition
Issued by Fungaris (operated by Nexora Generation, S.L.) as a digital certificate. It is a Fungaris certificate of its own: it is not an official university degree and does not award ECTS credits.
About our certificates →Admission and enrolment
10.1Admission process (steps)
- Send your request through the form or write to admissions.
- Admissions reviews your profile and confirms the start date, the session schedule and the fee.
- You secure your place with full payment or a 40% reservation.
- You receive your campus access and welcome guide before the first session.
10.2Documents required
- A valid identity document.
- Contact and billing details (personal or company).
10.3Deadlines
Enrolment for the intake starting on 11 January 2027 is open until 4 January 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: £340
- Full payment before the start: £272 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation (£136) and 3 monthly instalments of £68.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organisation. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the programme and receive the invoice in the company name. Whether a public or employer training budget can cover the fee depends on your country, so check with them.
10.6Cancellation policy
The conditions for cancelling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrolment confirmation. Nothing there limits your rights under the consumer law that applies to you.
Cancellation and refunds →Additional information
11.1Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to study Antifungal Resistance & Emerging Fungal Pathogens?
A background in microbiology, health science or laboratory work is recommended. No equipment is needed.
How is Antifungal Resistance & Emerging Fungal Pathogens taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Assessment combines participation in live sessions, case-based module exercises and a final project reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A briefing on resistance in one priority fungal pathogen covering mechanisms, detection, surveillance and control.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
What can I study after Antifungal Resistance & Emerging Fungal Pathogens?
The natural next step is Diploma in Applied Mycology.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This programme does not have any published yet; they will appear here once its first intakes finish.
11.3Admissions contact
Write to info@fungaris.institute or use the contact form. Admissions answers in your language.
Read before you start.
Fungal ScienceMushroom Microscopy for Beginners: Equipment and TechniquesA microscope opens a hidden world of spores, basidia and cystidia. Here is the equipment you need, the basic techniques and the safety rules for reagents.Read the article 
Fungal ScienceHow to Become a Mycologist: Paths, Skills and CareersFungi are moving from niche to mainstream, in food, materials, medicine and conservation. Here is how people actually build a career working with them.Read the article Keep branching.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly instalments. All prices are stated in pounds sterling (GBP).