Diploma in Fungal Synthetic Biology
A practical and conceptual training in engineering yeasts and filamentous fungi, from genetic tools to circuits and production strains.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Diploma in Fungal Synthetic Biology
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Diploma
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Fungal Computing, Bioelectronics & Space Mycology. 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)
- 6 months (24 weeks) · 192 hours in total · 8 modules of 24 hours · 24 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 June 25, 2027. Enrollment closes on January 4, 2027. Following intake: April 12, 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Program description
This diploma provides practical and conceptual training in engineering yeasts and filamentous fungi. You study fungal genomes and gene regulation, transformation and genome editing, genetic parts and standards, and pathway engineering with attention to metabolic flux. Further modules cover genetic circuits and biosensors, morphology and chassis engineering, and biosafety and biocontainment, so that technical design always comes with responsible practice.
Fungi already produce enzymes, organic acids, medicines and food ingredients, and synthetic biology is opening new possibilities in sustainable chemicals and alternative protein. Filamentous fungi remain harder to engineer than yeast, making specialists in this area valuable. The program suits molecular biologists and biotech professionals. It is delivered as design and analysis; laboratory implementation requires an authorized facility. In the final design project you develop a complete engineering plan for a fungal strain, including target, host, genetic design, circuit or pathway, chassis modifications, biocontainment and a design-build-test-learn schedule.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in fungal computing, useful in areas such as industrial biotechnology, alternative protein and food, pharmaceutical R&D, synthetic biology research.
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:
A practical and conceptual training in engineering yeasts and filamentous fungi, from genetic tools to circuits and production strains.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Fungal genomes and gene regulation; Transformation and genome editing; Genetic parts and standards.
- Put them into practice: Pathway engineering and metabolic flux; Genetic circuits and biosensors; Morphology and chassis engineering.
- Apply everything to a real case: Biosafety and biocontainment; Design project.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your instructor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Navigate fungal genomes and regulatory elements for design work.
- Select transformation and editing tools for yeast and filamentous hosts.
- Design and balance a multigene metabolic pathway.
- Build genetic circuits and biosensors on paper for fungal chassis.
- Integrate biosafety and biocontainment into strain design.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Molecular biologists and biotech professionals.
4.2Entry requirements
Some basics in molecular biology and genetics are expected.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Strain engineer in industrial biotechnology
- Research assistant in fungal synthetic biology
- R&D scientist in fermentation or alternative protein
- Biofoundry or automation specialist
- Biosafety and compliance specialist
- Technical consultant for biotech start-ups
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Fungal genomes and gene regulation | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 02 | Transformation and genome editing | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 03 | Genetic parts and standards | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 04 | Pathway engineering and metabolic flux | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 05 | Genetic circuits and biosensors | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 06 | Morphology and chassis engineering | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 07 | Biosafety and biocontainment | Application & project | 3 | 24 |
| 08 | Design project | Application & project | 3 | 24 |
| Total | 192 |
8 modules × 24 hours = 192 hours: 48 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.
- Genome structure and annotation
- Transcriptional regulation
- Omics resources
- Transformation methods by host
- CRISPR-Cas editing tools
- Verifying edits
- Promoters and terminators
- Modular cloning standards
- Characterizing parts
- Pathway design and balancing
- Flux analysis and modeling
- Secondary metabolite clusters
- Inducible systems
- Logic and switches
- Biosensors for screening
- Morphology and productivity
- Protease and secretion engineering
- Strain stability
- Risk assessment for engineered strains
- Genetic biocontainment
- Regulatory obligations
- Defining the design goal
- Assembling the full plan
- Presenting the design
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 engineering plan for a fungal production or sensing strain, including biocontainment.
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 8 hours a week for 24 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, design exercises in each module and a final design project reviewed by the instructor.
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 Fungal Computing 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
Diploma Certificate
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Diploma 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).
- A short résumé or a description of your experience in the field.
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: $1,490
- Full payment before the start: $1,192 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation ($596) and 6 monthly installments of $149.
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 Diploma in Fungal Synthetic Biology?
Some basics in molecular biology and genetics are expected.
How is Diploma in Fungal Synthetic Biology taught?
Live online, in 8 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, design exercises in each module and a final design project reviewed by the instructor.
What is the final project?
A complete engineering plan for a fungal production or sensing strain, including biocontainment.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Diploma 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 Diploma in Fungal Synthetic Biology?
The natural next step is Master in Fungal Bioelectronics and Computing.
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.
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).