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Advanced Mushroom Identification CourseThis is our advanced course, if you know the basics and want to step up your knowledge a notch jump on board! $99.99 |
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As this site has been created by a licensed pharmacist, safety is our primary concern. Secondarily, this Advanced course builds on our geolocated beginner's courses found on the front page of this site by adding more in-depth resources, including:
- Gorgeous online lectures - created by our in-house specialist mycologist. This more advanced course delves deeper into the knowledge you need to know to become an expert including deeper ID vocabulary, explaining terms like like hirsute, floccose, hispid...
- Training videos - this course contains an array of training videos that walk you through the most important points to know. Key to advanced knowledge is understanding compounds/toxins (such as ibotenic acid, muscarine, and amatoxins) and their effects on the body.
- Online ebook - including our own "short and sweet" reference document about how to identify the most common mushrooms with ease.
- Microscopy - see and explore another microscopic world with detailed how-tos to delve deeper into the world of spores.
- Wide subject range - 100's of fungi species are covered in this course with detailed pictures and videos about going on the hunt.
- Foray maps - want some insider knowledge about where to find the best mushrooms? Look no further. We have maps galore about how to find the best mushrooms.
- Specialist foray questions - we have been answering questions from student mushroom hunters for decades, we give you a list of all the most common questions and best answers.
- Forums - our hugely popular subscriber forums.
- Innovative question system - questions that are graded automatically with detailed feedback.
- Track your progress - our system allows you to view your previous tests and compare grades with mushroomers.
- Additional resources - useful weblinks, tips and recommended reading - guiding you to the best resources!
Course Reviews
Microscopy section alone is worth the price
Finally, a course that treats mycology as serious science. The microscopy how-tos are incredibly detailed - I bought a microscope specifically for this and have been examining spore prints ever since. Understanding terms like hirsute, floccose, and hispid has completely changed how I approach identification. The toxicology section covering ibotenic acid, muscarine, and amatoxins is pharmacy-level depth. This is what I needed after the beginner courses.
Bridged the gap to professional-level knowledge
I completed the UK beginner course and was hungry for more depth. This advanced course delivers exactly that. The toxin pharmacology is fascinating - understanding how different compounds affect the body makes you realize how critical accurate identification is. The specialist Q&A from decades of teaching is invaluable. Forums are active with serious mycologists. Expensive at $100 but you get what you pay for - this is university-level content.
Steep learning curve but rewarding
Don't attempt this without completing a beginner course first - they're not kidding about "advanced." The vocabulary section threw me at first (hirsute? floccose? hispid?) but once you learn it, you can understand scientific descriptions in field guides. The toxicology content is dense but fascinating. Would've liked more video content and less text-heavy lectures. The automated grading with detailed feedback helps a lot though. Worth it if you're serious about mycology.
Perfect complement to the regional courses
Took the North American course first, then this advanced one. They complement each other perfectly - regional courses teach you what to look for, this one teaches you why and how at a molecular level. The pharmacist's perspective on toxins is unique - you don't get that depth anywhere else. Microscopy section inspired me to start documenting spore characteristics. Progress tracking shows I've gone from 60% to 90% on quizzes. Best educational investment I've made.
From hobbyist to semi-expert
Been foraging for 5 years but always felt like I was missing something. This course filled all those gaps. Understanding the chemical compounds behind toxicity completely changed my risk assessment. The microscopy tutorials got me into spore printing which has become its own hobby. Comparing my grades with other students is surprisingly motivating - currently ranked 12th overall. The forums connect you with actual experts, not just enthusiasts. This is doctorate-level content made accessible.
Excellent content but requires significant time commitment
This is NOT a casual course. Plan to spend 30-40 hours to get through it properly. The content is brilliant - pharmacology of toxins is fascinating and the microscopy tutorials are detailed. However, at $100, I expected more video content. A lot of it is text-based which can be dry. The forums help break up the monotony. If you have the time and dedication, it's worth it. If you're looking for light weekend learning, stick with the regional courses.