The PhD Programme in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biomedicine (registered in the Registry of Universities, Centers and Degrees, RUCT 5601105) has a long history at the Complutense University of Madrid. Its origins date back to the early seventies of the last century, with the teaching of Biochemistry PhD courses. However, if we stick only to the most recent antecedents, specifically with regard to evaluations by the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (ANECA), it should be noted that the so-called PhD Programme in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (regulated by Royal Decree RD778/1998) obtained the Mention of Quality in the 2004-2005 academic year (reference MCD2004-00313; resolution of June 22, 2004, General Directorate of Universities, Ministry of Education and Science). This mention was successively renewed in the corresponding resolutions until the extinction of the Programme in the 2011-2012 academic year.

With the enactment of the regulations of Royal Decree 1393/2007, the PhD Programme in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biomedicine was awarded the Mention of Excellence by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (reference MEE2011-0020; resolution of October 6, 2011 of the General Secretariat of Universities; BOE October 20, 2011). The period of validity was extended until the extinction of said Mention, to the academic years 2011-2012, 2012-2013 and 2013-2014.

In the academic year 2014-2015, the new PhD Programme in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biomedicine of the Complutense University of Madrid was implemented, which is adapted and regulated by Royal Decree 99/2011 (of January 28, 2011; BOE of February 10). It is an inter-faculty programme of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in which the Faculty of Chemical Sciences (responsible center), the Faculty of Biological Sciences, the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Veterinary participate.

The PhD Programme in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biomedicine of the UCM aims to train PhDs in the multidisciplinary area of Biomolecular Sciences. These studies will be aimed at elucidating, at the molecular level, the principles and mechanisms that govern the complexity of organization, structure and function of living beings, and will be directed to their application in the fields of health, nutrition and environmental conservation.

According to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED), thePhD Programme would be included under code 0512 (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), and is a period of research where there is no formal teaching and training activities are not structured in formal courses. These activities are aimed at developing the competencies of the Programme and to introduce the doctoral student to all aspects related to scientific research in this area of knowledge. Therefore, both the training activities and the Doctoral Thesis itself may be developed, and if necessary, defended, in the language commonly used for scientific communication in this field, which is English.