CRISPR Genome Editing in Filamentous Fungi
Design and deliver CRISPR-Cas edits in Aspergillus, Trichoderma and mushroom-forming fungi, and verify results reliably.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- CRISPR Genome Editing in Filamentous Fungi
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Fungal Biotechnology & Biomaterials. 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 teaches how to plan and carry out CRISPR-Cas genome editing in filamentous fungi such as Aspergillus and Trichoderma, and in mushroom-forming species. You review the main CRISPR-Cas systems and variants, learn to design guide RNAs and predict off-target effects, and compare delivery methods including protoplast transformation, Agrobacterium and ribonucleoprotein complexes. Further modules cover multiplex editing, marker-free strains, genotyping and phenotypic validation.
Filamentous fungi have historically been harder to engineer than yeasts, and CRISPR has opened up much faster and more precise strain development. Yet editing efficiency varies widely between species, and results must be verified with care. The course suits molecular biologists and strain engineers who want a structured, practical approach. A final module discusses how gene-edited strains are regulated and how public acceptance shapes product decisions. Teaching is live and led by professionals working in fungal strain engineering. For the final project, students produce a complete editing plan for a chosen gene target, from guide design to validation.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in biotechnology, useful in areas such as industrial biotechnology, food and enzyme production, research institutes, agricultural 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:
Design and deliver CRISPR-Cas edits in Aspergillus, Trichoderma and mushroom-forming fungi, and verify results reliably.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: CRISPR-Cas Systems and Their Variants; Guide RNA Design and Off-Target Prediction.
- Put them into practice: Delivery: Protoplasts, Agrobacterium and RNPs; Multiplex Editing and Marker-Free Strains.
- Apply everything to a real case: Genotyping and Phenotypic Validation; Gene-Edited Strains: Regulation and Public Acceptance.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Choose a CRISPR-Cas system appropriate to a fungal host.
- Design guide RNAs and assess off-target risk.
- Compare delivery methods for filamentous fungi.
- Plan genotyping and phenotypic validation of edited strains.
- Explain regulatory implications of gene-edited fungal strains.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Molecular biologists and strain engineers.
4.2Entry requirements
A solid basis in molecular biology, including cloning and PCR, is recommended. Laboratory access is helpful but not required.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Strain engineer in an industrial biotech company
- Molecular biology research associate
- Genome editing specialist in a research institute
- Laboratory scientist in a biofoundry
- Technical consultant on strain engineering projects
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | CRISPR-Cas Systems and Their Variants | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Guide RNA Design and Off-Target Prediction | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Delivery: Protoplasts, Agrobacterium and RNPs | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Multiplex Editing and Marker-Free Strains | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Genotyping and Phenotypic Validation | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Gene-Edited Strains: Regulation and Public Acceptance | 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.
- Cas9, Cas12a and their properties
- Base and prime editing
- Choosing a system for fungi
- Guide RNA design principles
- Off-target prediction tools
- Design for multinucleate cells
- Protoplast-mediated delivery
- Agrobacterium-mediated transformation
- Ribonucleoprotein delivery
- Editing several genes at once
- Marker recycling strategies
- Building marker-free strains
- PCR and sequencing verification
- Heterokaryon purification
- Phenotypic assays
- Regulatory status of edited strains
- Labelling and transparency
- Public perception and dialogue
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 complete CRISPR editing plan for a chosen gene target in a filamentous fungus, from guide design to validation.
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 is based on participation in live sessions, design exercises for 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 Biotechnology 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 CRISPR Genome Editing in Filamentous Fungi?
A solid basis in molecular biology, including cloning and PCR, is recommended. Laboratory access is helpful but not required.
How is CRISPR Genome Editing in Filamentous Fungi taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Assessment is based on participation in live sessions, design exercises for each module and a final project reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A complete CRISPR editing plan for a chosen gene target in a filamentous fungus, from guide design to validation.
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 CRISPR Genome Editing in Filamentous Fungi?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycelium Biomaterials.
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).