Fungal Microscopy and Morphology for Laboratory Professionals
Practical training in recognising medically important fungi under the microscope using mounts, stains and key morphological features.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Fungal Microscopy and Morphology for Laboratory Professionals
- 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
Fungal Microscopy and Morphology for Laboratory Professionals focuses on one of the most valuable and most demanding skills in diagnostic mycology: recognising fungi by what they look like. Students begin with correct microscope set-up and calibration, then learn when to use different mounts, stains and fluorescent brighteners. The course builds visual vocabulary step by step, from yeast cell shapes and budding patterns to hyphae, conidia and sporangia, and on to the distinctive features of dematiaceous and dimorphic fungi.
Accurate microscopy remains fast and inexpensive, and it often provides the first clue to a fungal diagnosis, yet confidence takes deliberate practice. This course suits laboratory technicians and microbiology staff who want structured image-based training with feedback from experienced morphologists. Each live session works through annotated image sets and real examples. In the final project, students assemble a documented image atlas of selected fungi with measurements, labelled features and a short competency self-assessment.
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 diagnostic laboratories, veterinary laboratories, research institutes, laboratory education and training.
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:
Practical training in recognising medically important fungi under the microscope using mounts, stains and key morphological features.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Microscope set-up and calibration; Mounts, stains and fluorescent brighteners.
- Put them into practice: Yeast cell morphology; Hyphae, conidia and sporangia.
- Apply everything to a real case: Dematiaceous and dimorphic fungi; Image documentation and competency assessment.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Set up and calibrate a light microscope for fungal examination.
- Choose suitable mounts, stains and fluorescent brighteners for each specimen.
- Recognise key morphological features of yeasts and filamentous fungi.
- Differentiate pigmented and dimorphic fungi from common moulds under the microscope.
- Document microscopy findings with calibrated, annotated images.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Laboratory technicians and microbiology staff.
4.2Entry requirements
Basic microscopy experience is helpful; access to a microscope is recommended but students can complete the course with the supplied image sets.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Laboratory technician specialising in fungal microscopy
- Biomedical scientist in a microbiology department
- Supporting role in a clinical mycology laboratory team
- Training coordinator for laboratory microscopy competencies
- Research technician in a fungal biology group
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Microscope set-up and calibration | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Mounts, stains and fluorescent brighteners | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Yeast cell morphology | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Hyphae, conidia and sporangia | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Dematiaceous and dimorphic fungi | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Image documentation and competency assessment | 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.
- Köhler illumination and optics
- Objectives and magnification choice
- Calibrating the eyepiece micrometer
- Potassium hydroxide preparations
- Lactophenol cotton blue mounts
- Calcofluor white and fluorescence
- Budding patterns and cell size
- Pseudohyphae and true hyphae
- Capsules and other distinctive features
- Septate and aseptate hyphae
- Conidiogenesis and conidial types
- Sporangia and sporangiospores
- Pigmented hyphae and conidia
- Yeast and mould phases of dimorphic fungi
- Avoiding common misidentifications
- Image capture and annotation
- Measurement and scale bars
- Competency records and peer review
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
An annotated image atlas of selected medically important fungi with measurements and labelled diagnostic features.
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 image-review sessions and identification exercises in each module. The final atlas 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 Fungal Microscopy and Morphology for Laboratory Professionals?
Basic microscopy experience is helpful; access to a microscope is recommended but students can complete the course with the supplied image sets.
How is Fungal Microscopy and Morphology for Laboratory Professionals 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 image-review sessions and identification exercises in each module. The final atlas is reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
An annotated image atlas of selected medically important fungi with measurements and labelled diagnostic features.
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 Microscopy and Morphology for Laboratory Professionals?
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).