Biostatistics & Data Analysis for Mycologists
Practical statistics and R-based data analysis for laboratory experiments, field surveys and fungal community studies.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Biostatistics & Data Analysis for Mycologists
- 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
Biostatistics & Data Analysis for Mycologists provides the statistical and computing skills needed to turn laboratory experiments and field surveys into sound conclusions. You will start with experimental design, including replication, randomisation and avoiding pseudoreplication in growth trials and plot studies. Using R, you will learn to import, clean and manage data, summarise and visualise it, and apply hypothesis tests and linear models. A dedicated module covers diversity indices and multivariate methods such as ordination and PERMANOVA, which are central to fungal community studies.
Many mycological studies are limited less by data than by analysis, and reviewers increasingly expect reproducible, well-justified statistics. This course suits researchers and graduate students who want practical confidence rather than abstract theory. All examples use mycological data, from mycelial growth rates to sequence-based community tables. The last module teaches reproducible reporting with R Markdown or Quarto. For the final project you will analyse a dataset from your own work or one provided, producing a reproducible report with design rationale, analyses, figures and interpretation.
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 academic research, environmental consultancy, agricultural research, biotechnology.
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:
Practical statistics and R-based data analysis for laboratory experiments, field surveys and fungal community studies.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Experimental Design for Mycological Research; Introduction to R and Data Management.
- Put them into practice: Descriptive Statistics and Visualisation; Hypothesis Testing and Linear Models.
- Apply everything to a real case: Diversity Indices and Multivariate Community Analysis; Reproducible Reporting of Results.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Design experiments with appropriate replication and randomisation.
- Import, clean and manage mycological data in R.
- Visualise data clearly using ggplot2.
- Apply hypothesis tests and linear models and check their assumptions.
- Analyse fungal community data with diversity indices and multivariate methods.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Researchers and graduate students.
4.2Entry requirements
No programming experience is required, but basic numeracy is expected. A computer able to run R and RStudio is needed.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Research assistant handling data analysis
- Graduate researcher in mycology or ecology
- Data analyst in an environmental consultancy
- Laboratory scientist managing experimental data
- Biostatistics support officer in a research group
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Experimental Design for Mycological Research | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Introduction to R and Data Management | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Descriptive Statistics and Visualisation | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Hypothesis Testing and Linear Models | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Diversity Indices and Multivariate Community Analysis | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Reproducible Reporting of Results | 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.
- Questions, hypotheses and variables
- Replication and randomisation
- Avoiding pseudoreplication
- R and RStudio basics
- Importing and tidying data
- Organising projects and files
- Summaries and distributions
- Plotting with ggplot2
- Exploring data visually
- t-tests, ANOVA and non-parametric tests
- Linear regression
- Checking model assumptions
- Alpha diversity indices
- Ordination methods
- PERMANOVA and community tests
- R Markdown and Quarto
- Version control basics
- Reporting statistics clearly
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 reproducible R report analysing a mycological dataset, from design rationale to interpreted results.
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, coding exercises in each module 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 Biostatistics & Data Analysis for Mycologists?
No programming experience is required, but basic numeracy is expected. A computer able to run R and RStudio is needed.
How is Biostatistics & Data Analysis for Mycologists 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, coding exercises in each module and a final project reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A reproducible R report analysing a mycological dataset, from design rationale to interpreted results.
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 Biostatistics & Data Analysis for Mycologists?
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).