Introduction to Candida and Yeast Infections
An overview of Candida and other pathogenic yeasts, from mucosal infections to bloodstream disease, biofilms and laboratory recognition.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Introduction to Candida and Yeast Infections
- 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
Introduction to Candida and Yeast Infections covers the most common group of fungal pathogens encountered in healthcare. Students explore the biology of Candida and related yeasts, how they live as part of the normal human microbiota and what changes allow them to cause mucosal or invasive disease. The course then follows the spectrum from oral and vaginal candidiasis to candidaemia, explains how yeasts are recognised in the laboratory and examines why biofilms on catheters and other medical devices are so difficult to manage.
With shifting species distribution and the emergence of resistant yeasts, a sound understanding of Candida is valuable across nursing, laboratory and infection prevention roles. This course suits nurses, laboratory staff and health science graduates who want an accessible but accurate overview. Sessions combine short lectures with case-based discussion led by a tutor selected for working specialist experience. For the final project, students produce an educational briefing on one yeast-related topic, such as device-associated infection, for a defined healthcare audience.
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 hospitals and healthcare services, diagnostic laboratories, medical device industry, public health.
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:
An overview of Candida and other pathogenic yeasts, from mucosal infections to bloodstream disease, biofilms and laboratory recognition.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Biology of Candida and related yeasts; Mucosal candidiasis.
- Put them into practice: Invasive candidiasis and candidaemia; Laboratory recognition of yeasts.
- Apply everything to a real case: Biofilms and medical devices; Prevention and epidemiology.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Describe the biology and commensal lifestyle of Candida and related yeasts.
- Distinguish mucosal from invasive forms of candidiasis.
- Explain how yeasts are recognised and reported in the laboratory.
- Explain why biofilms on medical devices increase infection risk.
- Summarise prevention measures and epidemiological trends for yeast infections.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Nurses, laboratory staff and health science graduates.
4.2Entry requirements
No prior mycology knowledge is required; a basic background in biology, nursing or health sciences is helpful.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Infection prevention support officer
- Laboratory assistant in a microbiology department
- Supporting role in a clinical mycology laboratory team
- Medical device quality and biofilm testing assistant
- Health educator producing infection awareness materials
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Biology of Candida and related yeasts | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Mucosal candidiasis | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Invasive candidiasis and candidaemia | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Laboratory recognition of yeasts | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Biofilms and medical devices | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Prevention and epidemiology | 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.
- Candida species and their niches
- Commensalism and the shift to disease
- Virulence factors
- Oral and oesophageal candidiasis
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis
- Predisposing factors for mucosal infection
- Routes into the bloodstream
- Deep-seated organ involvement
- Patient groups at higher risk
- Gram stain and colony features
- Chromogenic agar and identification tools
- Reporting yeast isolates
- How biofilms form
- Catheters, prostheses and implants
- Biofilm tolerance to antifungals
- Changing species distribution
- Hand hygiene and line care
- Surveillance of candidaemia
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 educational briefing on a yeast-related topic, such as device-associated infection, written for a defined healthcare audience.
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 short case-based exercises for each module. The final briefing 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 Introduction to Candida and Yeast Infections?
No prior mycology knowledge is required; a basic background in biology, nursing or health sciences is helpful.
How is Introduction to Candida and Yeast Infections 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 short case-based exercises for each module. The final briefing is reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
An educational briefing on a yeast-related topic, such as device-associated infection, written for a defined healthcare audience.
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 Introduction to Candida and Yeast Infections?
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.
From our species guide.
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).