Citizen Science & Fungal Recording
Contribute high-quality fungal records to biodiversity databases and take part in surveys that inform conservation.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Citizen Science & Fungal Recording
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Culinary Mycology & Foraging. 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 shows how foragers and naturalists can turn their observations into reliable data for science and conservation. Students learn why fungal records matter, how the main biodiversity platforms and databases work, and what makes data trustworthy, from accurate location to verified identification. They then explore survey design for volunteers, the role of records in fungal conservation and red listing, and how to organise and sustain community recording projects.
Fungi remain under-recorded compared with plants and animals, and volunteer data now plays an important role in assessing species status. Good records make a real contribution; poor ones add noise. The programme suits foragers, naturalists and members of mycological societies. It is taught live by a tutor selected for experience in mycology or in coordinating biological records and biodiversity data. In the final project, each student designs a community recording project for a chosen area or species group, including survey method, data standards, verification process and a plan for sharing results.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in culinary mycology, useful in areas such as conservation, biodiversity data, environmental education, natural history societies.
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:
Contribute high-quality fungal records to biodiversity databases and take part in surveys that inform conservation.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Why Fungal Records Matter; Biodiversity Platforms and Databases.
- Put them into practice: Data Quality and Verification; Survey Design for Volunteers.
- Apply everything to a real case: Fungal Conservation and Red Listing; Organising Community Recording Projects.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Explain why fungal records matter for research and conservation.
- Submit high-quality records to biodiversity platforms.
- Apply data quality standards and verification processes.
- Design simple, repeatable surveys for volunteer recorders.
- Organise a community recording project and report its results.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Foragers, naturalists and mycological societies.
4.2Entry requirements
Basic mushroom identification knowledge is recommended. Students need a computer and a phone or camera.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Recording coordinator for a mycological society
- Citizen science project officer
- Volunteer biodiversity recorder
- Field assistant for conservation organisations
- Environmental educator focused on biodiversity data
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Why Fungal Records Matter | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Biodiversity Platforms and Databases | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Data Quality and Verification | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Survey Design for Volunteers | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Fungal Conservation and Red Listing | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Organising Community Recording Projects | 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.
- Fungi in biodiversity knowledge
- How records support research
- Records and conservation decisions
- Global and national platforms
- Uploading and managing observations
- Open data and licences
- Location accuracy and metadata
- Identification confidence levels
- Expert verification workflows
- Choosing survey questions
- Repeat visits and standard methods
- Recording absence and effort
- How fungi are assessed for red lists
- Volunteer data in assessments
- Target species surveys
- Recruiting and training volunteers
- Running recording events
- Reporting results to partners
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 community recording project plan with survey method, data standards, verification process and results-sharing plan.
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, data and survey 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 Culinary Mycology 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 Citizen Science & Fungal Recording?
Basic mushroom identification knowledge is recommended. Students need a computer and a phone or camera.
How is Citizen Science & Fungal Recording 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, data and survey exercises in each module and a final project reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A community recording project plan with survey method, data standards, verification process and results-sharing plan.
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 Citizen Science & Fungal Recording?
The natural next step is Diploma in Culinary 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.
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).