Master in Engineered Living Materials and Fungal Synthetic Biology
Combines fungal synthetic biology, materials science and bioprocessing to design living and bio-based materials responsibly.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Master in Engineered Living Materials and Fungal Synthetic Biology
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Master
- 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)
- 10 months (40 weeks) · 432 hours in total · 12 modules of 36 hours · 40 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: February 1, 2027 to November 19, 2027. Enrollment closes on January 25, 2027. Following intake: October 4, 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Program description
This master combines fungal synthetic biology, materials science and bioprocessing to design living and bio-based materials responsibly. Over twelve modules you study fungal biology and genetics, genome editing tools, synthetic biology design principles and metabolic engineering. You then move into mycelium materials science, biomaterial characterization, engineered living materials and bioprocess scale-up, followed by life cycle assessment, biosafety and regulation, and innovation, intellectual property and venture building.
Bio-based materials are an established industry, while engineered living materials remain an emerging field with significant technical and regulatory challenges. Professionals who can work across biology, materials and business are scarce and valuable. The program suits graduates in biotechnology, materials or design. The master's thesis is an independent project in which you develop a material or living material concept from biological design to characterization plan, scale-up route, life cycle considerations and a regulatory and commercial pathway.
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 bio-based materials, industrial biotechnology, design and architecture, sustainability 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:
Combines fungal synthetic biology, materials science and bioprocessing to design living and bio-based materials responsibly.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Fungal biology and genetics; Genome editing and genetic tools; Synthetic biology design principles; Metabolic and pathway engineering.
- Put them into practice: Mycelium materials science; Characterization and testing of biomaterials; Engineered living materials; Bioprocess and scale-up.
- Apply everything to a real case: Life cycle assessment and circularity; Biosafety, regulation and biocontainment; Innovation, IP and venture building; Master's thesis project.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your instructor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Engineer fungal strains for material properties or functions.
- Design and characterize mycelium and living materials.
- Plan bioprocess scale-up with realistic economic assumptions.
- Navigate biosafety, regulation and biocontainment for new materials.
- Build an innovation and IP strategy for a materials venture.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Graduates in biotechnology, materials or design.
4.2Entry requirements
Prior completion of a related course or diploma, or a degree or professional experience in biotechnology, materials or design, is expected.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- R&D scientist in bio-based materials
- Strain or process engineer in biomanufacturing
- Research associate in engineered living materials
- Life cycle and sustainability analyst
- Founder or early team member of a materials start-up
- Innovation manager in materials or design
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 biology and genetics | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 02 | Genome editing and genetic tools | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 03 | Synthetic biology design principles | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 04 | Metabolic and pathway engineering | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 05 | Mycelium materials science | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 06 | Characterization and testing of biomaterials | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 07 | Engineered living materials | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 08 | Bioprocess and scale-up | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 09 | Life cycle assessment and circularity | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 10 | Biosafety, regulation and biocontainment | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 11 | Innovation, IP and venture building | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 12 | Master's thesis project | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| Total | 432 |
12 modules × 36 hours = 432 hours: 80 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.
- Fungal life cycles
- Genetics and genomics
- Growth physiology
- Transformation systems
- CRISPR-based editing
- Verification and stability
- Abstraction and modularity
- Parts and standards
- Design-build-test-learn
- Pathway design
- Flux balance and modeling
- Product titre and yield
- Mycelium microstructure
- Composite and pure materials
- Processing routes
- Mechanical testing
- Thermal and moisture properties
- Microscopy and imaging
- Living material concepts
- Viability and storage
- Functional prototypes
- Solid-state and submerged processes
- Scale-up challenges
- Process economics
- Life cycle assessment methods
- Circular design
- Environmental claims
- Risk assessment
- Regulatory pathways
- Biocontainment design
- Intellectual property strategy
- Business models
- Funding and partnerships
- Thesis proposal
- Development and testing
- Thesis report and defense
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 independent thesis developing a material or living material from biological design to scale-up and regulatory pathway.
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 11 hours a week for 40 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, practical and design exercises in each module and a master's thesis 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
Master Certificate
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Master 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 February 1, 2027 is open until January 25, 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: $3,350
- Full payment before the start: $2,680 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation ($1,340) and 10 monthly installments of $201.
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 Master in Engineered Living Materials and Fungal Synthetic Biology?
Prior completion of a related course or diploma, or a degree or professional experience in biotechnology, materials or design, is expected.
How is Master in Engineered Living Materials and Fungal Synthetic Biology taught?
Live online, in 12 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, practical and design exercises in each module and a master's thesis reviewed by the instructor.
What is the final project?
An independent thesis developing a material or living material from biological design to scale-up and regulatory pathway.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Master 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.
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).