Bees & Fungi: Beekeeping, Pollinators and Fungal Interactions
Explore the many links between bees and fungi, from brood diseases and hive microbes to fungal biocontrol of varroa and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Bees & Fungi: Beekeeping, Pollinators and Fungal Interactions
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Fungal Ecology & Regenerative Agriculture. A Fungaris program 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 program, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: January 11, 2027 to April 2, 2027. Enrollment closes on January 4, 2027. Following intake: March 8, 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Program description
This course looks at the surprisingly varied relationships between bees and fungi. You begin with the habitats bees and fungi share and the ways fungi turn up in a colony, from spores on flowers to yeasts in nectar. You then study the main fungal diseases of honey bee brood, such as chalkbrood caused by Ascosphaera apis and the rarer stonebrood, and learn how colony strength, hygiene behavior and hive management influence them. A further module explores the hive as a microbial environment, including the yeasts and molds associated with stored pollen and bee bread and why the line between harmless and harmful microbes is not always clear.
The second half turns to applied questions. You review research on entomopathogenic fungi such as Metarhizium and Beauveria as possible tools against varroa mites and other hive pests, and discuss studies on fungal extracts in bee nutrition, which remain at an early stage. You also consider wild bees, landscape management and how fungicide use can affect pollinators. Throughout, the course separates solid evidence from enthusiasm. It is aimed at beekeepers, pollinator researchers, farmers and conservationists. Sessions are taught live by specialists. For the final project, each student prepares an evidence-based fungal health plan for an apiary or a pollinator site.
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 apiculture, agriculture, conservation, research and academia.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This program gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgment and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the program able to apply its content professionally and with judgment. In short:
Explore the many links between bees and fungi, from brood diseases and hive microbes to fungal biocontrol of varroa and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Bees, Fungi and Shared Habitats; Fungal Diseases of Honey Bee Brood.
- Put them into practice: Microbes in the Hive: Bee Bread, Yeasts and Molds; Fungi Against Varroa and Other Pests.
- Apply everything to a real case: Wild Pollinators, Fungi and the Wider Landscape; Evidence, Hype and Practical Beekeeping Decisions.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your instructor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Recognize the main fungal diseases of honey bee brood.
- Explain how hive conditions and management influence fungal problems.
- Describe the microbial ecology of stored pollen and bee bread.
- Evaluate research on fungal biocontrol of varroa and hive pests.
- Judge claims about fungi and bee health on the basis of evidence.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Beekeepers, pollinator researchers, farmers and conservationists.
4.2Entry requirements
Basic beekeeping experience or an interest in pollinators is helpful. No prior knowledge of mycology is required.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Beekeeper or apiary manager
- Bee health advisor or inspector support role
- Research assistant in pollinator ecology
- Farm biodiversity advisor
- Educator in beekeeping associations
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bees, Fungi and Shared Habitats | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Fungal Diseases of Honey Bee Brood | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Microbes in the Hive: Bee Bread, Yeasts and Molds | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Fungi Against Varroa and Other Pests | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Wild Pollinators, Fungi and the Wider Landscape | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Evidence, Hype and Practical Beekeeping Decisions | 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.
- Where bees meet fungi
- Spores, nectar yeasts and flowers
- Fungi in nest materials and surroundings
- Chalkbrood biology and signs
- Stonebrood and other rare mycoses
- Colony strength, hygiene and management
- Stored pollen and bee bread
- Yeasts and molds in the hive
- Healthy and unhealthy microbial balances
- Entomopathogenic fungi in brief
- Research on fungi against varroa
- Practical and regulatory constraints
- Fungal diseases of wild bees
- Flower-rich landscapes and soil fungi
- Fungicides and pollinator exposure
- Reading bee research critically
- Claims about fungal extracts
- Making sound apiary decisions
5.3Company placement
This program does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
An evidence-based fungal health plan for an apiary or pollinator site, covering monitoring, prevention and habitat measures.
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 instructor 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 short exercises after each module. The final project is reviewed by the professor with written feedback.
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 instructor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Ecology school coordinates the content and quality of this program. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The instructor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Course Certificate
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization 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 enrollment
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
Enrollment for the intake starting on January 11, 2027 is open until January 4, 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: $450
- Full payment before the start: $360 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation ($180) and 3 monthly installments of $90.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organization. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the program 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 canceling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrollment 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 Bees & Fungi: Beekeeping, Pollinators and Fungal Interactions?
Basic beekeeping experience or an interest in pollinators is helpful. No prior knowledge of mycology is required.
How is Bees & Fungi: Beekeeping, Pollinators and Fungal Interactions 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 short exercises after each module. The final project is reviewed by the professor with written feedback.
What is the final project?
An evidence-based fungal health plan for an apiary or pollinator site, covering monitoring, prevention and habitat measures.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization and on local rules in each country.
What can I study after Bees & Fungi: Beekeeping, Pollinators and Fungal Interactions?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycorrhizal Agriculture.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This program 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 installments. All prices are stated in US dollars (USD).