Environmental DNA for Fungal Monitoring
Using eDNA from soil, air, water and wood to detect fungi for conservation, biosecurity and ecosystem monitoring programs.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Environmental DNA for Fungal Monitoring
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Digital Mycology: AI, Genomics & Data. 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
Environmental DNA for Fungal Monitoring shows how traces of DNA in soil, air, water and wood can reveal which fungi are present without finding a single fruitbody. You compare sample types, set up air and spore trap sampling, and learn when a targeted qPCR assay is the right tool and when community sequencing gives more value. Specific modules address detecting rare species of conservation interest and invasive pathogens before they spread.
Agencies are increasingly adding eDNA to biosecurity surveillance, forest health programs and protected-area monitoring, but results are only useful when contamination is controlled and assays are properly validated. The course suits conservation agencies, environmental scientists and plant health staff who need to design or commission eDNA work. For the final project you design a complete monitoring program for a real or realistic scenario, specifying sample types, methods, controls, validation steps and how results will inform management decisions.
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 nature conservation, plant health and biosecurity, forestry, environmental consultancy.
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:
Using eDNA from soil, air, water and wood to detect fungi for conservation, biosecurity and ecosystem monitoring programs.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: eDNA principles and sample types; Air and spore trap sampling.
- Put them into practice: Targeted qPCR versus community sequencing; Detecting rare and invasive fungi.
- Apply everything to a real case: Contamination control and validation; Designing a monitoring program.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your instructor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Choose suitable eDNA sample types for specific monitoring goals.
- Plan air and spore trap sampling for fungal detection.
- Decide between targeted qPCR and community sequencing approaches.
- Apply contamination controls and validation standards to eDNA work.
- Design an eDNA monitoring program linked to management decisions.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Conservation agencies and environmental scientists.
4.2Entry requirements
A basic understanding of molecular biology and ecology is helpful; no laboratory or bioinformatics experience is required.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Monitoring officer in a conservation agency
- Plant health or biosecurity surveillance specialist
- Environmental consultant offering eDNA services
- Forest health technician
- Project manager for biodiversity monitoring programs
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | eDNA principles and sample types | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Air and spore trap sampling | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Targeted qPCR versus community sequencing | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Detecting rare and invasive fungi | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Contamination control and validation | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Designing a monitoring program | 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.
- What eDNA is and how long it persists
- Soil, water, wood and air samples
- Strengths and limits compared with surveys
- Passive and active air samplers
- Spore trap networks
- Sample handling and storage
- Designing species-specific assays
- qPCR detection limits
- When to choose metabarcoding
- Sampling effort for rare species
- Early warning for invasive pathogens
- Interpreting non-detections
- Sources of contamination
- Field and laboratory controls
- Assay validation scales
- Setting monitoring objectives
- Spatial and temporal design
- Reporting results to managers
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 eDNA monitoring program design for a real or realistic conservation or biosecurity scenario.
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, scenario-based exercises in each module and a final 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 Digital Mycology 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 Environmental DNA for Fungal Monitoring?
A basic understanding of molecular biology and ecology is helpful; no laboratory or bioinformatics experience is required.
How is Environmental DNA for Fungal Monitoring 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, scenario-based exercises in each module and a final project reviewed by the instructor.
What is the final project?
A complete eDNA monitoring program design for a real or realistic conservation or biosecurity scenario.
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 Environmental DNA for Fungal Monitoring?
The natural next step is Diploma in Fungal Bioinformatics.
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).