Diploma in Fungal Genomics & Bioinformatics
Hands-on computational training to generate, analyse and interpret fungal genomic, transcriptomic and community sequencing data.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Diploma in Fungal Genomics & Bioinformatics
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Diploma
- 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)
- 6 months (24 weeks) · 192 hours in total · 8 modules of 24 hours · 24 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 25 June 2027. Enrolment closes on 4 January 2027. Following intake: 12 April 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Programme description
The Diploma in Fungal Genomics & Bioinformatics is hands-on computational training for biologists who want to generate and analyse fungal sequence data independently. You will gain working skills in Linux, Python and R, then learn sequencing technologies and data quality control. The programme guides you through genome assembly and annotation, comparative and population genomics, and transcriptomics for gene expression studies. Specialist modules cover mining genomes for secondary metabolite gene clusters and pipelines for metabarcoding and metagenomics, before finishing with reproducible workflows and data sharing.
Sequencing is now cheap and routine, so the bottleneck in most fungal research and industry projects is analysis. This diploma suits biologists and lab scientists building data skills who want to become productive in bioinformatics rather than simply follow tutorials. Every module uses real fungal datasets and open-source tools, with live support from practising bioinformaticians. In the final project you will design and run a complete, reproducible analysis workflow on a fungal dataset of your choice, from raw data to interpreted results, shared in a documented repository.
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 research institutes and universities, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, agricultural genomics, sequencing and data services.
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:
Hands-on computational training to generate, analyse and interpret fungal genomic, transcriptomic and community sequencing data.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Linux, Python and R for Biologists; Sequencing Technologies and Data Quality; Genome Assembly and Annotation.
- Put them into practice: Comparative and Population Genomics; Transcriptomics and Gene Expression; Secondary Metabolite Gene Cluster Mining.
- Apply everything to a real case: Metabarcoding and Metagenomics Pipelines; Reproducible Workflows and Data Sharing.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Work fluently with Linux, Python and R for biological data.
- Assemble, evaluate and annotate fungal genomes.
- Perform comparative, population and transcriptomic analyses.
- Mine genomes for biosynthetic clusters and process metagenomic data.
- Build reproducible, shareable analysis workflows following FAIR principles.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Biologists and lab scientists building data skills.
4.2Entry requirements
A biology background and basic computer literacy are expected; prior programming is helpful but not required. A computer with internet access is needed.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Bioinformatician in a fungal research group
- Computational biologist in biotechnology
- Genomics data analyst in agriculture
- Bioinformatics support in a sequencing facility
- Research software developer for biology
- Data steward for omics 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 | Linux, Python and R for Biologists | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 02 | Sequencing Technologies and Data Quality | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 03 | Genome Assembly and Annotation | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 04 | Comparative and Population Genomics | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 05 | Transcriptomics and Gene Expression | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 06 | Secondary Metabolite Gene Cluster Mining | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 07 | Metabarcoding and Metagenomics Pipelines | Application & project | 3 | 24 |
| 08 | Reproducible Workflows and Data Sharing | Application & project | 3 | 24 |
| Total | 192 |
8 modules × 24 hours = 192 hours: 48 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.
- Linux command line essentials
- Python scripting for biology
- R for data analysis
- Short- and long-read platforms
- Read quality control
- Choosing coverage and design
- Assembly strategies
- Assembly evaluation
- Structural and functional annotation
- Orthology and gene families
- Variant calling
- Population structure and selection
- RNA-seq design
- Read mapping and quantification
- Differential expression analysis
- antiSMASH and cluster prediction
- Cluster families and networks
- Prioritising clusters for study
- Amplicon pipelines
- Shotgun metagenomics
- Taxonomic and functional profiling
- Workflow managers
- Containers and environments
- Data repositories and FAIR principles
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, reproducible bioinformatics workflow on a chosen fungal dataset, shared in a documented repository.
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 8 hours a week for 24 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, hands-on 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
Diploma Certificate
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Diploma 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).
- A short CV or a description of your experience in the field.
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: £1,120
- Full payment before the start: £896 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation (£448) and 6 monthly instalments of £112.
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 Diploma in Fungal Genomics & Bioinformatics?
A biology background and basic computer literacy are expected; prior programming is helpful but not required. A computer with internet access is needed.
How is Diploma in Fungal Genomics & Bioinformatics taught?
Live online, in 8 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, hands-on exercises in each module and a final project reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A complete, reproducible bioinformatics workflow on a chosen fungal dataset, shared in a documented repository.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Diploma 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 Diploma in Fungal Genomics & Bioinformatics?
The natural next step is Master in 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.
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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).