Fungal Taxonomy & Systematics
How fungi are named, classified and related, from nomenclature rules to modern phylogenetic classification of the major lineages.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Fungal Taxonomy & Systematics
- 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
Fungal Taxonomy & Systematics explains how fungi are named, classified and related to one another. You begin with the principles of biological classification and the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature for Fungi, including typification, priority and the end of dual naming. You then examine the morphological characters taxonomists rely on, see how phylogenetic analysis of DNA data reshaped fungal classification, and work through the current arrangement of the major phyla. The course closes with the practical steps of describing and publishing a new taxon.
Names are the key to every fungal database, regulation and research paper, and they change frequently as molecular evidence accumulates. Biology students, amateur mycologists and laboratory staff who understand why names change can keep records accurate and avoid costly confusion. The course suits anyone who manages species lists, writes reports or wants to contribute to taxonomy. In the final project you will trace the nomenclatural and classification history of a chosen genus, explaining each change and presenting a current, correctly cited name list.
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 museums and biological collections, biodiversity research, environmental consultancy, scientific publishing.
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 are named, classified and related, from nomenclature rules to modern phylogenetic classification of the major lineages.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Principles of Biological Classification; The International Code of Nomenclature for Fungi.
- Put them into practice: Morphological Characters in Fungal Taxonomy; Phylogenetic Systematics and Molecular Data.
- Apply everything to a real case: Classification of the Major Fungal Phyla; Describing and Publishing New Taxa.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Apply the main rules of the International Code of Nomenclature for Fungi.
- Interpret synonymy and explain why fungal names change.
- Read and critically evaluate a published phylogenetic tree.
- Navigate the current classification of the major fungal phyla.
- Outline the requirements for validly publishing a new fungal name.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Biology students, amateur mycologists and lab staff.
4.2Entry requirements
Basic biology knowledge is helpful but not essential. You need a computer with internet access to use online databases such as MycoBank and Index Fungorum.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Taxonomic assistant in a herbarium or fungarium
- Species list editor for a recording scheme
- Database curator for biodiversity records
- Research assistant in a systematics laboratory
- Technical reviewer for ecological survey reports
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Principles of Biological Classification | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | The International Code of Nomenclature for Fungi | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Morphological Characters in Fungal Taxonomy | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Phylogenetic Systematics and Molecular Data | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Classification of the Major Fungal Phyla | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Describing and Publishing New Taxa | 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.
- Ranks, hierarchies and Linnaean tradition
- Natural versus artificial classifications
- Species concepts in fungi
- Structure of the Code
- Priority, typification and synonymy
- One fungus, one name
- Macroscopic characters
- Microscopic characters
- Chemical and ecological characters
- Cladistic thinking and monophyly
- Molecular markers used in fungi
- Reading a phylogenetic tree
- Early-diverging lineages
- Ascomycota classes and orders
- Basidiomycota subphyla and orders
- Writing a protologue
- Registering names in MycoBank
- Choosing journals and depositing types
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 nomenclatural and classification history of a chosen fungal genus with a correctly cited current name list.
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
Assessment combines participation in live sessions with module exercises on nomenclature and tree reading. 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 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
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 Taxonomy & Systematics?
Basic biology knowledge is helpful but not essential. You need a computer with internet access to use online databases such as MycoBank and Index Fungorum.
How is Fungal Taxonomy & Systematics taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Assessment combines participation in live sessions with module exercises on nomenclature and tree reading. The final project is reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A documented nomenclatural and classification history of a chosen fungal genus with a correctly cited current name list.
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 Taxonomy & Systematics?
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).