CourseEstablished

Fungal Evolution & Phylogenetics

The evolutionary history of fungi and the practical phylogenetic methods used to reconstruct relationships from DNA sequence data.

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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

Fungal Science

Program identification

1.1Program name: Fungal Evolution & Phylogenetics
1.2Type of qualification: Course
1.3Provider / endorsing institution: Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Mycology & Fungal Science. 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 →

fungal evolutionfungal phylogenetics coursephylogenetic analysis fungispecies delimitation fungifungal tree of life

Overview

2.1Program description

Fungal Evolution & Phylogenetics combines the evolutionary history of fungi with hands-on training in the methods used to reconstruct it. You will review the origins of fungi and their sparse but revealing fossil record, then explore major transitions such as the loss of flagella, the move onto land, the rise of mycorrhizas and repeated shifts between lifestyles. The practical core of the course covers sequence alignment, building data matrices, model selection, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference, multilocus and phylogenomic approaches, and species delimitation.

Phylogenies underpin modern fungal classification, ecology and comparative genomics, and researchers increasingly need to build and judge trees themselves rather than rely on published ones. This course suits graduate students and researchers who want to analyze their own sequence data with confidence and interpret results honestly. Exercises use open-source software such as MAFFT, IQ-TREE and MrBayes. For the final project you will build and interpret a phylogeny for a fungal group of your choice, documenting each analytical decision and discussing support and conflict.

2.2Why it matters / what need it meets

It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in fungal science, useful in areas such as Academic research, Museums and herbaria, Biodiversity informatics, 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:

The evolutionary history of fungi and the practical phylogenetic methods used to reconstruct relationships from DNA sequence data.

3.2Specific objectives

Build the foundations: Origins of Fungi and the Fossil Record; Major Evolutionary Transitions in Fungi.
Put them into practice: Sequence Alignment and Data Matrices; Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference.
Apply everything to a real case: Multilocus and Phylogenomic Approaches; Species Delimitation and Interpreting Trees.
Complete a final project reviewed by your professor.

3.3Competences you will gain

Summarize the main events in fungal evolutionary history.
Assemble and align sequence datasets for phylogenetic analysis.
Run maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses with open-source software.
Evaluate branch support and conflict between gene trees.
Apply species delimitation methods and report results transparently.

Student profile

4.1Who it is for (entry profile)

Graduate students and researchers.

4.2Entry requirements

Prior knowledge of fungal biology and basic molecular data is recommended. A computer able to run free phylogenetic software is needed.

4.3Career paths (exit profile)

Phylogenetics research assistant
Bioinformatics technician in systematics
Graduate researcher in fungal evolution
Taxonomist using molecular methods
Data analyst in a biodiversity institute

Sectors

Academic researchMuseums and herbariaBiodiversity informaticsBiotechnology

Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.

Study plan

5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)

Module	Title	Phase	Topics	Hours
01	Origins of Fungi and the Fossil Record	Foundations	3	12
02	Major Evolutionary Transitions in Fungi	Foundations	3	12
03	Sequence Alignment and Data Matrices	Practice	3	12
04	Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference	Practice	3	12
05	Multilocus and Phylogenomic Approaches	Application & project	3	12
06	Species Delimitation and Interpreting Trees	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 documented phylogenetic analysis of a chosen fungal group, with interpretation of support and conflict.

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 combines participation in live sessions, analysis exercises in each module and a final project reviewed by the professor.

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 professor.

Teaching team

8.1Academic direction

The Fungal Science 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.

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 Fungal Evolution & Phylogenetics?

Prior knowledge of fungal biology and basic molecular data is recommended. A computer able to run free phylogenetic software is needed.

How is Fungal Evolution & Phylogenetics taught?

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

How am I assessed?

Assessment combines participation in live sessions, analysis exercises in each module and a final project reviewed by the professor.

What is the final project?

A documented phylogenetic analysis of a chosen fungal group, with interpretation of support and conflict.

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 Evolution & Phylogenetics?

The natural next step is Diploma in Applied Mycology.

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.