Global Mycorrhizal Mapping & Underground Biodiversity
How researchers are beginning to map fungal diversity below ground at global scale, combining eDNA, remote sensing and modelling.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Global Mycorrhizal Mapping & Underground Biodiversity
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Fungal Ecology & Regenerative Agriculture. 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
We still know far less about life below ground than above it, but global sampling networks, environmental DNA and modelling are beginning to change that. This course explains how researchers are mapping mycorrhizal fungi and soil fungal diversity at global scale. It starts with why underground biodiversity has been so poorly documented, then covers global soil sampling and eDNA networks, remote sensing proxies such as tree species composition for mapping mycorrhizal types, and predictive modelling with machine learning.
These maps are already informing debates about conservation priorities and climate, which makes it essential to understand how they are built and where they are uncertain. The course suits researchers, GIS specialists and conservation planners who want to use or critique such products. Later modules examine underground biodiversity hotspots, gaps in protection, and the validation and uncertainty of global predictions. In the final project, students produce a regional analysis using open data on mycorrhizal types or soil fungal diversity, explaining their methods, the main uncertainties and the implications for planning.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in ecology, useful in areas such as research and academia, conservation planning, geospatial and data services, environmental policy.
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 researchers are beginning to map fungal diversity below ground at global scale, combining eDNA, remote sensing and modelling.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Why Underground Biodiversity Is Poorly Known; Global Soil Sampling and eDNA Networks.
- Put them into practice: Remote Sensing Proxies for Mycorrhizal Types; Predictive Modelling and Machine Learning Maps.
- Apply everything to a real case: Underground Biodiversity Hotspots and Protection Gaps; Uncertainty, Validation and Open Questions.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Explain why underground biodiversity is poorly documented.
- Describe global eDNA sampling networks and their data.
- Use vegetation and remote sensing proxies to infer mycorrhizal types.
- Interpret predictive maps produced with machine learning.
- Assess uncertainty and bias in global biodiversity maps.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Researchers, gis specialists and conservation planners.
4.2Entry requirements
Basic familiarity with ecology and with GIS or spreadsheets is recommended; no programming is required, though it is useful.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- GIS analyst for biodiversity mapping
- Research assistant in soil biodiversity
- Conservation planner using spatial data
- Data scientist for environmental modelling
- Policy analyst on biodiversity targets
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Why Underground Biodiversity Is Poorly Known | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Global Soil Sampling and eDNA Networks | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Remote Sensing Proxies for Mycorrhizal Types | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Predictive Modelling and Machine Learning Maps | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Underground Biodiversity Hotspots and Protection Gaps | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Uncertainty, Validation and Open Questions | 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.
- Sampling gaps and hidden diversity
- Taxonomic and data limitations
- Why maps matter
- Global sampling initiatives
- eDNA protocols and standardisation
- Open databases of soil fungi
- Vegetation as a proxy for mycorrhizal type
- Satellite data and canopy traits
- Linking plots to pixels
- Environmental predictors
- Random forests and other models
- Producing global maps
- Identifying underground hotspots
- Overlap with protected areas
- Implications for conservation planning
- Cross-validation and spatial bias
- Communicating uncertainty
- Open research questions
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 regional analysis of mycorrhizal types or soil fungal diversity using open data, with uncertainties explained.
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, data and mapping exercises in each module and a final regional analysis 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 Ecology 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 Global Mycorrhizal Mapping & Underground Biodiversity?
Basic familiarity with ecology and with GIS or spreadsheets is recommended; no programming is required, though it is useful.
How is Global Mycorrhizal Mapping & Underground Biodiversity 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, data and mapping exercises in each module and a final regional analysis reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A regional analysis of mycorrhizal types or soil fungal diversity using open data, with uncertainties explained.
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 Global Mycorrhizal Mapping & Underground Biodiversity?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycorrhizal Agriculture.
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.
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).