Forensic Mycology
How fungi can serve as evidence: fungal growth at scenes and on remains, spores as trace evidence, mushroom poisoning casework and reporting for legal settings.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Forensic Mycology
- 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
This course introduces forensic mycology, a small but growing specialism in which knowledge of fungi helps answer questions that arise in legal investigations. You begin with the range of situations in which fungi can be relevant, from outdoor and indoor scenes to buried or concealed remains and suspected poisonings. You then study how fungal colonisation of bodies, clothing and surroundings develops over time and why it may offer supporting information about timelines and conditions, while learning the substantial limits of such interpretations. Further modules look at spores and hyphae as trace evidence that can link people, objects and places, and at the identification work involved when mushroom poisoning is suspected.
Forensic work demands rigour beyond ordinary identification. You learn how samples are collected, documented and preserved, how chain of custody is maintained and which microscopic, culture-based and molecular methods are used in the laboratory. The final module covers writing clear expert reports and the principles of giving evidence. The course suits forensic scientists, mycologists, crime scene staff and students. It does not train participants as accredited experts, but gives a solid foundation. Sessions are taught live by specialists. For the final project, each student analyses a fictional case file and drafts a short expert report.
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 Forensic science, Law enforcement, Research and academia, Insurance and loss adjusting.
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:
How fungi can serve as evidence: fungal growth at scenes and on remains, spores as trace evidence, mushroom poisoning casework and reporting for legal settings.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Introduction to Forensic Mycology; Fungi at Scenes and on Human Remains.
- Put them into practice: Spores and Hyphae as Trace Evidence; Mushroom Poisoning Casework and Identification.
- Apply everything to a real case: Sampling, Chain of Custody and Laboratory Methods; Expert Reports and Giving Evidence.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your professor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Recognise situations in which fungi can provide forensic information.
- Explain how fungal colonisation develops and the limits of its interpretation.
- Plan the collection and documentation of fungal samples under chain of custody.
- Select appropriate laboratory methods for fungal trace evidence.
- Write a clear, balanced expert report on a fungal question.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Forensic scientists, mycologists, crime scene staff and students.
4.2Entry requirements
A basic knowledge of fungal biology is recommended; completing an introductory mycology course first is helpful. No laboratory access is required.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Forensic scientist with mycological expertise
- Mycologist consulted in legal or insurance cases
- Crime scene examiner with botanical and fungal awareness
- Laboratory analyst in a forensic service provider
- Foundation for research in forensic biology
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Introduction to Forensic Mycology | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Fungi at Scenes and on Human Remains | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Spores and Hyphae as Trace Evidence | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Mushroom Poisoning Casework and Identification | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Sampling, Chain of Custody and Laboratory Methods | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Expert Reports and Giving Evidence | 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.
- What forensic mycology is and is not
- Types of cases where fungi matter
- Working with other forensic disciplines
- Fungal succession on remains and materials
- Indoor and outdoor scene conditions
- Limits of time-since-deposition estimates
- Spores in soil, dust and on clothing
- Comparing samples between people and places
- Interpreting trace evidence cautiously
- Toxic species groups relevant to casework
- Identifying fragments, spores and leftovers
- Working with clinical and toxicology teams
- Collecting and preserving fungal samples
- Documentation and chain of custody
- Microscopy, culture and DNA methods
- Structure of an expert report
- Expressing uncertainty and limitations
- Principles of giving evidence
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
Analysis of a fictional case file and a short expert report addressing the fungal evidence and its limitations.
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 professor 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 case exercises after each module. The final project is reviewed by the professor with written feedback.
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 professor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
The Fungal Science at Fungaris 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 professor of 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. Accreditations are assessed according to the training completed and the local regulations of 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 Forensic Mycology?
A basic knowledge of fungal biology is recommended; completing an introductory mycology course first is helpful. No laboratory access is required.
How is Forensic Mycology 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 case exercises after each module. The final project is reviewed by the professor with written feedback.
What is the final project?
Analysis of a fictional case file and a short expert report addressing the fungal evidence and its limitations.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Accreditations are assessed according to the training completed and the local regulations of each country.
What can I study after Forensic Mycology?
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).