Python for Mycologists
Python fundamentals applied to fungal data: pandas, plotting, sequence handling and automating everyday laboratory and field tasks.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Python for Mycologists
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Digital Mycology: AI, Genomics & Data. 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
Python for Mycologists teaches the language through the tasks people in fungal labs, farms and field groups face every week. You set up notebooks and environments, handle tables with pandas, draw informative plots with matplotlib and seaborn, and read, filter and write sequence files with Biopython. A dedicated module on automation shows how to rename hundreds of photos, merge sensor logs or batch-process sequencing results in seconds instead of hours.
Python has become the common language of bioinformatics, machine learning and lab automation, so even a modest grounding opens doors to more advanced tools. This course suits mycologists, growers and laboratory staff with no prior coding background who want practical results quickly. It closes with a mini project built around your own data: you define a small problem, write a tidy and documented notebook that solves it, and present the outcome to the group so that the tutor and your peers can give feedback.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in digital mycology, useful in areas such as research laboratories, mushroom cultivation, fungal biotechnology, biodiversity monitoring.
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:
Python fundamentals applied to fungal data: pandas, plotting, sequence handling and automating everyday laboratory and field tasks.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Python, notebooks and environments; Data handling with pandas.
- Put them into practice: Plotting with matplotlib and seaborn; Sequence files with Biopython.
- Apply everything to a real case: Automating repetitive tasks; Mini project with your own data.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Set up reproducible Python environments and work confidently in Jupyter.
- Clean, merge and summarise laboratory and field tables with pandas.
- Create clear exploratory and publication figures with matplotlib and seaborn.
- Read, filter and convert sequence files using Biopython.
- Automate repetitive file, image and data tasks with simple scripts.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Mycologists, growers and lab staff.
4.2Entry requirements
No previous programming is required; you need a computer on which you can install software and basic spreadsheet skills.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Laboratory technician with scripting skills in a mycology lab
- Data assistant on a commercial mushroom farm
- Junior bioinformatics support in a research group
- Field survey coordinator managing digital records
- Quality control analyst in fungal biotechnology
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Python, notebooks and environments | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Data handling with pandas | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Plotting with matplotlib and seaborn | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Sequence files with Biopython | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Automating repetitive tasks | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Mini project with your own data | 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.
- Installing Python with conda
- Working in Jupyter notebooks
- Variables, lists and dictionaries
- Loading and inspecting tables
- Filtering, grouping and joining
- Handling missing values and dates
- Line, bar and scatter plots
- Statistical plots with seaborn
- Styling and exporting figures
- FASTA and FASTQ formats
- Parsing and filtering sequences
- Translating and summarising sequences
- Loops, functions and scripts
- Working with files and folders
- Batch-processing images and logs
- Scoping a small data problem
- Building and documenting the notebook
- Presenting results to peers
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 Jupyter notebook that cleans, analyses and visualises a dataset from your own work or interests.
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, notebook exercises for each module and a final mini 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 Digital Mycology 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 Python for Mycologists?
No previous programming is required; you need a computer on which you can install software and basic spreadsheet skills.
How is Python for Mycologists 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, notebook exercises for each module and a final mini project reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A documented Jupyter notebook that cleans, analyses and visualises a dataset from your own work or interests.
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 Python for Mycologists?
The natural next step is Diploma in Fungal Bioinformatics.
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).