Fungi in Extreme Environments & Space
Extremophile fungi of deserts, polar regions and radiation-rich sites, and research on fungi aboard spacecraft and for space exploration.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Fungi in Extreme Environments & Space
- 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
Fungi in Extreme Environments & Space explores fungi that survive where most life cannot, and the research that takes them beyond Earth. You will learn what makes a fungus extremophilic, then study black yeasts and rock-inhabiting fungi with their protective melanised walls, and the fungi of polar ice, hot deserts and hypersaline brines. The course examines fungi associated with ionising radiation, including those reported from Chernobyl, before turning to fungi monitored aboard the International Space Station and research into fungi for life support and mycelium-based construction off-world.
Extremophile fungi help scientists understand the limits of life, astrobiology and the risks fungi pose to spacecraft and crew, while also suggesting biotechnological applications. This course presents current research honestly, distinguishing results from speculation. It suits scientists, students and astrobiology enthusiasts with a basic biology background. Live sessions discuss recent missions and studies. For the final project you will write a research proposal on an extremophile fungus, outlining its adaptations, a testable question and how it could be studied on Earth or in space.
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 space research, academic research, biotechnology and biomaterials, science communication.
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:
Extremophile fungi of deserts, polar regions and radiation-rich sites, and research on fungi aboard spacecraft and for space exploration.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: What Makes a Fungus an Extremophile; Black Yeasts and Rock-inhabiting Fungi.
- Put them into practice: Polar, Desert and Hypersaline Fungi; Fungi and Ionising Radiation.
- Apply everything to a real case: Fungi on the International Space Station; Fungi for Life Support and Off-world Construction.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Describe adaptations that allow fungi to survive extreme conditions.
- Recognise the main groups of extremophile fungi and their habitats.
- Evaluate research on fungi and ionising radiation critically.
- Explain the risks and uses of fungi in spaceflight.
- Formulate a testable research question in fungal astrobiology.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Scientists, students and astrobiology enthusiasts.
4.2Entry requirements
A basic biology background is recommended. No special equipment is needed.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Research assistant in astrobiology
- Microbial monitoring specialist
- Graduate researcher in extremophile biology
- Science communicator on space research
- Materials researcher exploring mycelium composites
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | What Makes a Fungus an Extremophile | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Black Yeasts and Rock-inhabiting Fungi | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Polar, Desert and Hypersaline Fungi | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Fungi and Ionising Radiation | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Fungi on the International Space Station | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Fungi for Life Support and Off-world Construction | 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.
- Defining extreme conditions
- Stress tolerance strategies
- Melanin and protective compounds
- Biology of black yeasts
- Rock-inhabiting fungi on monuments
- Fungi in Antarctic rocks
- Fungi in ice and permafrost
- Desert crust fungi
- Halophilic fungi of salterns
- Radiation tolerance mechanisms
- Fungi at radioactive sites
- Evaluating radiosynthesis claims
- Microbial monitoring in spacecraft
- Fungal behaviour in microgravity
- Risks to equipment and crew
- Fungi in bioregenerative life support
- Mycelium-based construction concepts
- Planetary protection considerations
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 research proposal on an extremophile fungus with a testable question and study approach.
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, module exercises 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 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 Fungi in Extreme Environments & Space?
A basic biology background is recommended. No special equipment is needed.
How is Fungi in Extreme Environments & Space 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, module exercises and a final project reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A research proposal on an extremophile fungus with a testable question and study approach.
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 Fungi in Extreme Environments & Space?
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).