Master in Fungal Biodiversity Informatics and Molecular Ecology
Integrates eDNA, metabarcoding, biodiversity databases, distribution modeling and conservation data science for fungi.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Master in Fungal Biodiversity Informatics and Molecular Ecology
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Master
- 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)
- 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
The Master in Fungal Biodiversity Informatics and Molecular Ecology integrates the tools needed to understand and protect fungal diversity. You study fungal diversity, ecology, taxonomy and nomenclature, and build statistical and programming skills for ecological data. Modules on biodiversity databases and standards, molecular identification and barcoding, metabarcoding and eDNA, and metagenomics and dark taxa prepare you to generate and manage data, while community and network analysis, distribution and climate modeling, remote sensing and conservation assessment show how to apply it.
Fungi remain underrepresented in conservation policy and biodiversity monitoring, partly because the right data and expertise are scarce. Professionals who combine molecular, informatics and ecological skills can help close that gap. The program suits graduates in ecology, environmental science or biology, ideally with prior coursework or field experience. It ends with a research thesis in which you address a question in fungal biodiversity or conservation using molecular and informatics approaches, and present your results as a manuscript or technical report.
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 and policy, environmental research, biodiversity informatics, 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:
Integrates eDNA, metabarcoding, biodiversity databases, distribution modeling and conservation data science for fungi.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Fungal diversity and ecology; Fungal taxonomy and nomenclature; Statistics and programming for ecologists; Biodiversity databases and standards.
- Put them into practice: Molecular identification and barcoding; Metabarcoding and eDNA; Metagenomics and dark taxa; Community and network analysis.
- Apply everything to a real case: Species distribution and climate modeling; Remote sensing and landscape data; Conservation assessment and policy; Master's thesis project.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your instructor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Integrate taxonomic, molecular and occurrence data for fungal groups.
- Design and analyze metabarcoding, eDNA and metagenomic studies.
- Analyze community composition and ecological networks statistically.
- Model species distributions under current and future climates.
- Prepare evidence for conservation assessments and policy.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Graduates in ecology, environmental science or biology.
4.2Entry requirements
A degree in ecology, environmental science or biology is expected, ideally with a previous course, diploma or field experience in mycology or molecular ecology.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Molecular ecologist in research or government
- Biodiversity informatics specialist
- Conservation officer focused on fungi
- Environmental consultant offering molecular surveys
- Data scientist in a biodiversity organization
- Researcher preparing for doctoral studies
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 diversity and ecology | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 02 | Fungal taxonomy and nomenclature | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 03 | Statistics and programming for ecologists | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 04 | Biodiversity databases and standards | Foundations | 3 | 36 |
| 05 | Molecular identification and barcoding | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 06 | Metabarcoding and eDNA | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 07 | Metagenomics and dark taxa | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 08 | Community and network analysis | Practice | 3 | 36 |
| 09 | Species distribution and climate modeling | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 10 | Remote sensing and landscape data | Application & project | 3 | 36 |
| 11 | Conservation assessment and policy | 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 guilds and habitats
- Fungal roles in ecosystems
- Threats to fungal diversity
- Classification of the fungal kingdom
- Nomenclature rules and practice
- Morphological and molecular taxonomy
- R for ecological data
- Regression and mixed models
- Multivariate statistics
- GBIF, MycoBank and UNITE
- Darwin Core and MIxS
- Data quality and integration
- DNA barcoding workflows
- Reference libraries
- Interpreting identifications
- Sampling design
- Amplicon bioinformatics
- Targeted eDNA assays
- Shotgun metagenomics
- Novel lineage detection
- Phylogenetic placement
- Diversity and composition
- Co-occurrence networks
- Plant-fungus interaction networks
- Distribution modeling methods
- Climate projections
- Uncertainty and validation
- Satellite and drone data
- Habitat and land cover mapping
- Landscape metrics
- IUCN red-list assessments for fungi
- Protected areas and monitoring
- Science-policy interface
- Defining the research question
- Data collection and analysis
- Manuscript or 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
A research thesis addressing a fungal biodiversity or conservation question with molecular and informatics approaches.
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 assignments in each module and a research 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 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
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 Fungal Biodiversity Informatics and Molecular Ecology?
A degree in ecology, environmental science or biology is expected, ideally with a previous course, diploma or field experience in mycology or molecular ecology.
How is Master in Fungal Biodiversity Informatics and Molecular Ecology 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 assignments in each module and a research thesis reviewed by the instructor.
What is the final project?
A research thesis addressing a fungal biodiversity or conservation question with molecular and informatics approaches.
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).