Beta-Glucans: Structure, Analysis and Applications
A focused course on fungal beta-glucan chemistry, measurement methods, extraction and their uses in food, feed and cosmetics.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Beta-Glucans: Structure, Analysis and Applications
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Medicinal & Functional Fungi. 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
This course focuses on beta-glucans, the polysaccharides most often cited in connection with mushrooms. You will learn the chemistry of glucan linkages, branching and molecular weight, compare fungal glucans with those from cereals and yeast, and examine extraction and purification strategies. A substantial part of the course is dedicated to analytical methods and their pitfalls, because glucan content is one of the most frequently misreported values in the industry.
Beta-glucans appear on labels, specifications and marketing materials across foods, supplements, feed and cosmetics, yet the same name covers very different molecules. Food scientists, analysts and ingredient suppliers need to know which structure they are dealing with, how it was measured and what regulatory status it has. The course also covers authorised claims, which exist for cereal beta-glucans but not for mushroom glucans, and why that distinction matters. In your final project you will write a technical data sheet for a beta-glucan ingredient, including structural description, method of analysis, specification limits, applications and regulatory status.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in medicinal fungi, useful in areas such as food ingredients, analytical testing, animal feed, cosmetics.
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:
A focused course on fungal beta-glucan chemistry, measurement methods, extraction and their uses in food, feed and cosmetics.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Glucan Chemistry: Linkages, Branching and Molecular Weight; Fungal vs Cereal and Yeast Beta-Glucans.
- Put them into practice: Extraction and Purification Strategies; Analytical Methods and Their Pitfalls.
- Apply everything to a real case: Applications in Food, Feed and Cosmetics; Regulatory Status and Authorised Claims.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Describe beta-glucan structures using linkage and branching terminology.
- Compare fungal, cereal and yeast glucans for a given application.
- Select a suitable analytical method and recognise common measurement errors.
- Outline an extraction and purification route for fungal glucans.
- State the regulatory status and permissible claims for different glucans.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Food scientists, analysts and ingredient suppliers.
4.2Entry requirements
Basic chemistry knowledge is recommended. No laboratory access is required.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Food scientist working with fibre and polysaccharide ingredients
- Analytical chemist in an ingredient testing lab
- Technical sales manager for beta-glucan ingredients
- Product developer for feed or pet supplements
- Specification writer for an ingredient supplier
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Glucan Chemistry: Linkages, Branching and Molecular Weight | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Fungal vs Cereal and Yeast Beta-Glucans | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Extraction and Purification Strategies | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Analytical Methods and Their Pitfalls | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Applications in Food, Feed and Cosmetics | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Regulatory Status and Authorised Claims | 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.
- Beta-1,3 and beta-1,6 linkages
- Branching degree and triple helix
- Molecular weight and solubility
- Mushroom glucans
- Oat and barley glucans
- Yeast cell wall glucans
- Hot water and alkaline extraction
- Deproteinisation and precipitation
- Chromatographic purification
- Enzymatic kit methods
- Congo red and colorimetric approaches
- Interference from starch and alpha-glucans
- Texture and fibre in foods
- Feed applications
- Cosmetic film-forming uses
- EU authorised claims for cereal glucans
- Novel Food issues
- Communicating glucan content correctly
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 technical data sheet for a beta-glucan ingredient with structure, analysis method, specification and regulatory status.
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
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions and module exercises such as method comparisons and result interpretations. The final technical data sheet is 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 Medicinal Fungi 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 Beta-Glucans: Structure, Analysis and Applications?
Basic chemistry knowledge is recommended. No laboratory access is required.
How is Beta-Glucans: Structure, Analysis and Applications taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions and module exercises such as method comparisons and result interpretations. The final technical data sheet is reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A technical data sheet for a beta-glucan ingredient with structure, analysis method, specification and regulatory status.
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 Beta-Glucans: Structure, Analysis and Applications?
The natural next step is Diploma in Functional & Medicinal Mushrooms.
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.
Keep branching.
From our species guide.
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).