Fungal Electronics and Sensing Materials
An exploratory look at research using mycelium for electrical signaling, sensing, substrates for circuits and interactive design.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Fungal Electronics and Sensing Materials
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Mycelium Design & Architecture. 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 takes an exploratory look at fungal electronics and sensing materials. You will learn what is known about electrical activity in fungi, how mycelium has been studied as a sensing material, and how fungal materials are being tested as biodegradable substrates for circuits. A practical module explains how signals are measured, which tools are used and what pitfalls can lead to misleading results.
This is an emerging and sometimes overhyped field, with headlines about fungal computers and mushroom networks. Designers who understand the actual research can create interesting interactive prototypes while communicating responsibly about what has and has not been demonstrated. The course suits interaction designers, engineers and researchers who are curious about combining biology and electronics. Live sessions combine explanation, critical reading and demonstrations of simple measurement set-ups. In the final project you design an interactive or responsive prototype concept that uses mycelium, accompanied by a critical note on the evidence behind the effect it relies on.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in design & architecture, useful in areas such as Interaction design and creative technology, Electronics research, Exhibitions and science communication, Biodesign 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:
An exploratory look at research using mycelium for electrical signaling, sensing, substrates for circuits and interactive design.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Electrical activity in fungi; Mycelium as a sensing material.
- Put them into practice: Biodegradable substrates for electronics; Measuring signals: tools and pitfalls.
- Apply everything to a real case: Interactive and responsive prototypes; Critical evaluation of claims.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your professor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Summarize current research on electrical activity in fungi.
- Explain how mycelium is studied as a sensing material.
- Set up basic signal measurements and recognize artefacts.
- Design interactive prototypes that integrate mycelium.
- Evaluate claims about fungal electronics critically.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Interaction designers, engineers and researchers.
4.2Entry requirements
Basic familiarity with electronics or microcontrollers is helpful. No biology background is required.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Interaction designer exploring biohybrid interfaces
- Research assistant in unconventional computing
- Creative technologist for exhibitions
- Engineer developing biodegradable electronics concepts
- Science communicator on emerging technologies
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Electrical activity in fungi | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Mycelium as a sensing material | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Biodegradable substrates for electronics | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Measuring signals: tools and pitfalls | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Interactive and responsive prototypes | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Critical evaluation of claims | 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.
- Electrical signals in fungi
- Research methods and findings
- What remains uncertain
- Responses to touch, light and chemicals
- Mycelium in sensor research
- Material versus living sensors
- Mycelium skins as circuit substrates
- Biodegradable electronics concepts
- Limits of current prototypes
- Electrodes and data loggers
- Noise and artefacts
- Designing reliable experiments
- Linking signals to outputs
- Interaction design concepts
- Prototyping with microcontrollers
- Separating evidence from hype
- Reading studies critically
- Communicating responsibly
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 interactive or responsive prototype concept using mycelium, with a critical note on the supporting evidence.
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 professor 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 includes participation in live sessions, measurement and critical reading exercises, and a final prototype concept reviewed by the professor.
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 professor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
The Design & Architecture at Fungaris 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 professor of 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. Accreditations are assessed according to the training completed and the local regulations of 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 Fungal Electronics and Sensing Materials?
Basic familiarity with electronics or microcontrollers is helpful. No biology background is required.
How is Fungal Electronics and Sensing Materials taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Assessment includes participation in live sessions, measurement and critical reading exercises, and a final prototype concept reviewed by the professor.
What is the final project?
An interactive or responsive prototype concept using mycelium, with a critical note on the supporting evidence.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Accreditations are assessed according to the training completed and the local regulations of each country.
What can I study after Fungal Electronics and Sensing Materials?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycelium Product Design.
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).