Fungal Biodiversity Databases: GBIF, iNaturalist, UNITE and MycoBank
How the major fungal databases work, how to query and cite them, and how to judge the quality of their records.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Fungal Biodiversity Databases: GBIF, iNaturalist, UNITE and MycoBank
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Digital Mycology: AI, Genomics & Data. 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
Fungal Biodiversity Databases explains how the main public resources for fungi fit together and how to use each one properly. You explore MycoBank and Index Fungorum for names and nomenclature, GBIF for occurrence records and citable downloads, iNaturalist for community observations, and UNITE for sequence-based species hypotheses. Each module combines live demonstrations with guided queries so you leave knowing where data comes from and how it is structured.
These databases now underpin red lists, distribution studies and environmental assessments, yet their records contain duplicates, outdated names, imprecise coordinates and strong sampling biases. Understanding these limitations is essential before drawing conclusions. The course suits mycologists, naturalists and conservation staff who need trustworthy data rather than a quick search. In the final project you assemble a documented dataset for a chosen species or group, combining sources, reconciling names, flagging dubious records and citing every download correctly with its DOI.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in digital mycology, useful in areas such as nature conservation, biodiversity research, environmental consultancy, museums and herbaria.
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 the major fungal databases work, how to query and cite them, and how to judge the quality of their records.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: The biodiversity data landscape; Fungal nomenclature: MycoBank and Index Fungorum.
- Put them into practice: GBIF: occurrences, downloads and DOIs; iNaturalist and community observations.
- Apply everything to a real case: UNITE and species hypotheses; Data quality, bias and proper citation.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Resolve fungal names and synonyms using MycoBank and Index Fungorum.
- Query and download GBIF occurrence data with citable DOIs.
- Evaluate iNaturalist observations and their identification reliability.
- Use UNITE species hypotheses to connect sequences with taxa.
- Detect common data errors and biases before analysis.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Mycologists, naturalists and conservation staff.
4.2Entry requirements
No prior database experience is needed; basic familiarity with fungal groups and spreadsheets is helpful.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Biodiversity data officer in a conservation agency
- Recorder or data manager for a mycological society
- Research assistant on distribution and red-list studies
- Environmental consultant handling species records
- Herbarium data assistant
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | The biodiversity data landscape | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Fungal nomenclature: MycoBank and Index Fungorum | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | GBIF: occurrences, downloads and DOIs | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | iNaturalist and community observations | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | UNITE and species hypotheses | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Data quality, bias and proper citation | 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.
- Who produces biodiversity data
- Specimens, observations and sequences
- How the major platforms connect
- Rules of fungal nomenclature
- Searching MycoBank and Index Fungorum
- Synonyms, current names and name changes
- Searching and filtering occurrences
- Downloads, formats and DOIs
- Accessing GBIF from R or Python
- How iNaturalist observations are made
- Research grade and identification communities
- Projects and data export
- How species hypotheses are built
- Searching and citing UNITE
- Linking SH codes to names
- Coordinate and date errors
- Sampling and taxonomic bias
- Citation, licences and acknowledgement
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 documented, correctly cited multi-source dataset for a chosen fungal species or group, with name reconciliation and quality flags.
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, guided query 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 Digital 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 Fungal Biodiversity Databases: GBIF, iNaturalist, UNITE and MycoBank?
No prior database experience is needed; basic familiarity with fungal groups and spreadsheets is helpful.
How is Fungal Biodiversity Databases: GBIF, iNaturalist, UNITE and MycoBank 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, guided query exercises in each module and a final project reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A documented, correctly cited multi-source dataset for a chosen fungal species or group, with name reconciliation and quality flags.
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 Fungal Biodiversity Databases: GBIF, iNaturalist, UNITE and MycoBank?
The natural next step is Diploma in Fungal Bioinformatics.
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).