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CRISPR Genome Editing in Filamentous Fungi

Design and deliver CRISPR-Cas edits in Aspergillus, Trichoderma and mushroom-forming fungi, and verify results reliably.

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Level

Course

Modules

Duration

3 months · 72 h

Next start

January 11, 2027

Fee

$450

Format

Live online

Certificate

Course Certificate

Language

English US

School

Biotechnology

Program identification

1.1Program name: CRISPR Genome Editing in Filamentous Fungi
1.2Type of qualification: Course
1.3Provider / endorsing institution: Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Fungal Biotechnology & Biomaterials. 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 →

CRISPR filamentous fungigenome editing Aspergillusfungal gene editing courseCRISPR Trichodermamarker-free strain engineering

Overview

2.1Program description

This course teaches how to plan and carry out CRISPR-Cas genome editing in filamentous fungi such as Aspergillus and Trichoderma, and in mushroom-forming species. You review the main CRISPR-Cas systems and variants, learn to design guide RNAs and predict off-target effects, and compare delivery methods including protoplast transformation, Agrobacterium and ribonucleoprotein complexes. Further modules cover multiplex editing, marker-free strains, genotyping and phenotypic validation.

Filamentous fungi have historically been harder to engineer than yeasts, and CRISPR has opened up much faster and more precise strain development. Yet editing efficiency varies widely between species, and results must be verified with care. The course suits molecular biologists and strain engineers who want a structured, practical approach. A final module discusses how gene-edited strains are regulated and how public acceptance shapes product decisions. Teaching is live and led by professionals working in fungal strain engineering. For the final project, students produce a complete editing plan for a chosen gene target, from guide design to validation.

2.2Why it matters / what need it meets

It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in biotechnology, useful in areas such as industrial biotechnology, food and enzyme production, research institutes, agricultural biotechnology.

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:

Design and deliver CRISPR-Cas edits in Aspergillus, Trichoderma and mushroom-forming fungi, and verify results reliably.

3.2Specific objectives

Build the foundations: CRISPR-Cas Systems and Their Variants; Guide RNA Design and Off-Target Prediction.
Put them into practice: Delivery: Protoplasts, Agrobacterium and RNPs; Multiplex Editing and Marker-Free Strains.
Apply everything to a real case: Genotyping and Phenotypic Validation; Gene-Edited Strains: Regulation and Public Acceptance.
Complete a final project reviewed by your instructor.

3.3Competences you will gain

Choose a CRISPR-Cas system appropriate to a fungal host.
Design guide RNAs and assess off-target risk.
Compare delivery methods for filamentous fungi.
Plan genotyping and phenotypic validation of edited strains.
Explain regulatory implications of gene-edited fungal strains.

Student profile

4.1Who it is for (entry profile)

Molecular biologists and strain engineers.

4.2Entry requirements

A solid basis in molecular biology, including cloning and PCR, is recommended. Laboratory access is helpful but not required.

4.3Career paths (exit profile)

Strain engineer in an industrial biotech company
Molecular biology research associate
Genome editing specialist in a research institute
Laboratory scientist in a biofoundry
Technical consultant on strain engineering projects

Sectors

industrial biotechnologyfood and enzyme productionresearch institutesagricultural 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	CRISPR-Cas Systems and Their Variants	Foundations	3	12
02	Guide RNA Design and Off-Target Prediction	Foundations	3	12
03	Delivery: Protoplasts, Agrobacterium and RNPs	Practice	3	12
04	Multiplex Editing and Marker-Free Strains	Practice	3	12
05	Genotyping and Phenotypic Validation	Application & project	3	12
06	Gene-Edited Strains: Regulation and Public Acceptance	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.

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

A complete CRISPR editing plan for a chosen gene target in a filamentous fungus, from guide design to validation.

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

Assessment is based on participation in live sessions, design exercises for each module and a final project reviewed by the instructor.

40%Participation and module exercises

60%Final project

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 Biotechnology 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.

Fees and financing →

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 CRISPR Genome Editing in Filamentous Fungi?

A solid basis in molecular biology, including cloning and PCR, is recommended. Laboratory access is helpful but not required.

How is CRISPR Genome Editing in Filamentous Fungi taught?

Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.

How am I assessed?

Assessment is based on participation in live sessions, design exercises for each module and a final project reviewed by the instructor.

What is the final project?

A complete CRISPR editing plan for a chosen gene target in a filamentous fungus, from guide design to validation.

What certificate do I get?

What can I study after CRISPR Genome Editing in Filamentous Fungi?

The natural next step is Diploma in Mycelium Biomaterials.

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.