Scientific achievements in the field of basic and applied biosciences in the past decade and a half have lead to essential changes and corrections to the theory that had been valid for decades, which open completely new horizons in the study of the basic laws of the functioning of biological systems and enable the development of applications of which we never even dreamed a few decades ago. The fast development in numerous fields of biological research and ever new possibilities for the use of the new science are reflected in the ever greater need for basic and applied knowledge in modern societies, which also dictate suitable up-dating of doctoral study programmes. The interdisciplinary doctoral programme in Biosciences, together with taking into account the Bologna guidelines on quality, combines science and experience from the fields of agronomy, biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, economics of natural resources, management of forest ecosystems, horticulture, landscape architecture, wood and biocomposites, nanosciences, nutrition, technical systems in biotechniques, protection of the natural heritage, cell sciences, animal sciences and animal breeding. The need for high quality and up-to-date doctoral study programmes for obtaining suitable knowledge from the scientific spheres developed in various members of the University of Ljubljana, is also dictated by the fast and extensive development of these fields and their impact on the quality of life. 

The essential element of the programme is connecting the contents from the field of Biosciences on the level of the University of Ljubljana with special care for new, boundary fields of research, often overlooked by the wider public, and which are not suitably represented in first and second level study programmes. The doctoral study programme in Biosciences is the response of the Biotechnical Faculty and associated partners, to the challenges of the time and it represents a combination of the most up-to-date knowledge in this field that, together with the commitment of domestic experts and visiting professors from abroad, we can offer in Slovenia. In addition to the Biotechnical Faculty, which is coordinating the programme, FRI, FS and FE are also cooperating with the coordination of individual study fields, as well as nine other members of the University of Ljubljana, leading Slovene research institutes, economic organisations and academic and research institutes from abroad. The main stress of the doctoral studies is on research work, on interdisciplinary study and on the cooperation of internationally established domestic and foreign experts. Taking into account the recommendations of the European University Association (EUA), the programme envisages the international exchange of students and, as a condition for ensuring the international comparability of high quality doctoral work, the publication of at least one scientific article in an internationally recognised scientific journal is required, which is an important part of candidates' research work. Particular stress is devoted to close cooperation between doctoral students and mentors, which gives the programme a special tenor and enables candidates, in agreement with their mentors, to design a personal programme of education, which best suits their ambitions.