Foundations of Clinical Mycology Laboratory Methods
Core laboratory workflows for detecting and identifying fungi in clinical specimens, from sample receipt to quality-assured reporting.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Foundations of Clinical Mycology Laboratory Methods
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Medical, Veterinary & One Health Mycology. 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
Foundations of Clinical Mycology Laboratory Methods follows a fungal specimen through the laboratory, from the moment it arrives at reception to the issue of a quality-assured report. Students learn which specimen types suit different investigations and how collection and transport affect results, then work through direct microscopy, staining, culture media and incubation conditions. Two modules are dedicated to identification, separating the logic used for yeasts from that used for moulds, before the course closes with quality assurance and reporting.
Many laboratories handle fungal specimens only occasionally, which makes consistent, well-documented methods essential. This course suits biomedical scientists, laboratory technicians and trainees who want to strengthen routine practice or prepare for rotation into a mycology bench. The tutor is selected for practising laboratory experience and shares real workflows, common pitfalls and examples of reports. As a final project, each student writes a standard operating procedure for processing one specimen type, covering receipt, microscopy, culture, identification steps and the reporting criteria used.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in one health, useful in areas such as hospital diagnostic laboratories, private reference laboratories, laboratory supplies and diagnostics industry, research institutes.
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:
Core laboratory workflows for detecting and identifying fungi in clinical specimens, from sample receipt to quality-assured reporting.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Specimen types, collection and transport; Direct microscopy and stains.
- Put them into practice: Culture media and incubation; Identification of yeasts.
- Apply everything to a real case: Identification of moulds; Quality assurance and reporting.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Select appropriate specimen types and transport conditions for fungal investigation.
- Prepare and interpret direct microscopy mounts and common stains.
- Choose suitable culture media and incubation conditions for fungal recovery.
- Apply structured identification steps for common yeasts and moulds.
- Contribute to quality control records and accurate laboratory reports.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Biomedical scientists and laboratory technicians.
4.2Entry requirements
Basic microbiology knowledge and some familiarity with laboratory work are recommended; access to a laboratory is useful but not required.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Biomedical scientist working on a mycology bench
- Laboratory technician in a microbiology department
- Quality assurance assistant in a diagnostic laboratory
- Technical specialist for a laboratory media supplier
- Research technician handling fungal cultures
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Specimen types, collection and transport | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Direct microscopy and stains | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Culture media and incubation | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Identification of yeasts | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Identification of moulds | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Quality assurance and reporting | 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.
- Specimen types and their purpose
- Collection technique and volumes
- Transport, storage and rejection criteria
- KOH and calcofluor preparations
- Gram, India ink and other stains
- Recording and reporting microscopy
- Selective and non-selective media
- Incubation temperature and duration
- Recognising contaminants
- Colony and microscopic features
- Chromogenic media and biochemical tests
- Automated identification systems
- Macroscopic colony assessment
- Tape and slide culture preparations
- Identification keys for common moulds
- Internal quality control
- External quality assessment schemes
- Clear and timely result reporting
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 standard operating procedure for processing one fungal specimen type from receipt to final report.
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
Students are assessed through participation in live sessions and practical module exercises based on images and case scenarios. The final project is 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 One Health 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 Foundations of Clinical Mycology Laboratory Methods?
Basic microbiology knowledge and some familiarity with laboratory work are recommended; access to a laboratory is useful but not required.
How is Foundations of Clinical Mycology Laboratory Methods taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Students are assessed through participation in live sessions and practical module exercises based on images and case scenarios. The final project is reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A standard operating procedure for processing one fungal specimen type from receipt to final report.
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 Foundations of Clinical Mycology Laboratory Methods?
The natural next step is Diploma in Medical Mycology Foundations.
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.
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).