Species Authentication & DNA Barcoding of Mushroom Ingredients
Verify the species identity of mushroom ingredients using microscopy, ITS barcoding and chemical fingerprinting to detect adulteration.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Species Authentication & DNA Barcoding of Mushroom Ingredients
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Medicinal & Functional Fungi. 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
This course teaches the methods used to confirm the species identity of mushroom ingredients and to detect adulteration. You will study the taxonomic challenges of commercial fungi, macroscopic and microscopic identification, DNA extraction from processed materials, ITS barcoding and reference databases, chemical fingerprinting by HPTLC, and how to detect, interpret and report adulteration.
Species substitution and mislabelling are documented problems in the mushroom trade, from incorrect Ganoderma species to products containing little or no declared mushroom. QC analysts, buyers and laboratory scientists need reliable, combined approaches because no single method answers every question, especially for extracts where DNA may be degraded. The course explains the strengths and limits of each technique and how to combine them into a defensible authentication strategy. In your final project you will design an authentication protocol for a chosen mushroom ingredient, combining morphological, molecular and chemical methods, with decision criteria and a reporting template for suspected adulteration.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in medicinal fungi, useful in areas such as analytical testing, ingredient supply, dietary supplements, food fraud prevention.
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:
Verify the species identity of mushroom ingredients using microscopy, ITS barcoding and chemical fingerprinting to detect adulteration.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Taxonomic Challenges in Commercial Fungi; Macroscopic and Microscopic Identification.
- Put them into practice: DNA Extraction from Processed Materials; ITS Barcoding and Reference Databases.
- Apply everything to a real case: Chemical Fingerprinting with HPTLC; Detecting and Reporting Adulteration.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Recognise taxonomic issues that affect commercial mushroom identity.
- Use microscopy to identify fungal powders and detect fillers.
- Plan DNA barcoding and interpret sequence results critically.
- Use HPTLC fingerprints to compare samples with references.
- Design a combined authentication protocol with clear decision criteria.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Qc analysts, buyers and laboratory scientists.
4.2Entry requirements
Basic laboratory or biology knowledge is recommended. Hands-on access to a laboratory is not required.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- QC analyst specialising in botanical and fungal identity
- Laboratory scientist in a contract testing lab
- Technical buyer verifying supplier materials
- Quality manager responsible for adulteration risk
- Research assistant in molecular mycology
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Taxonomic Challenges in Commercial Fungi | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Macroscopic and Microscopic Identification | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | DNA Extraction from Processed Materials | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | ITS Barcoding and Reference Databases | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Chemical Fingerprinting with HPTLC | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Detecting and Reporting Adulteration | 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.
- Naming changes and species complexes
- Trade names versus scientific names
- Known substitution risks
- Macroscopic features of dried material
- Microscopy of powders
- Reference specimens and vouchers
- Extraction protocols for powders
- DNA degradation in extracts
- Contamination control
- ITS as a fungal barcode
- Using GenBank and UNITE
- Interpreting sequence matches
- HPTLC principles
- Building reference fingerprints
- Detecting fillers and substitutes
- Combining methods into a strategy
- Decision criteria
- Reporting to suppliers and authorities
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 authentication protocol for a chosen mushroom ingredient combining morphological, molecular and chemical methods.
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 and module exercises such as sequence interpretation and fingerprint comparison. The final authentication protocol 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 Medicinal Fungi 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 Species Authentication & DNA Barcoding of Mushroom Ingredients?
Basic laboratory or biology knowledge is recommended. Hands-on access to a laboratory is not required.
How is Species Authentication & DNA Barcoding of Mushroom Ingredients 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 and module exercises such as sequence interpretation and fingerprint comparison. The final authentication protocol is reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
An authentication protocol for a chosen mushroom ingredient combining morphological, molecular and chemical methods.
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 Species Authentication & DNA Barcoding of Mushroom Ingredients?
The natural next step is Diploma in Functional & Medicinal Mushrooms.
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.
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).