The program leading to the Doctor of Medicine degree includes 147 weeks of instruction (72 weeks of which are devoted to clinical work) scheduled over four calendar years. Preclerkship is devoted to the teaching and learning of biomedical sciences, whereas Clerkship is devoted to clinical work. During medical studies, students should demonstrate the intelligence, the integrity, and the personal and emotional characteristics deemed necessary for competent physicians. Their behaviour must be consistent with an acceptable code of professional ethics, such as stated in the Faculty's Standards of Ethical and Professional Behaviour. This program is offered in English and in French.<br><br>The programs prepare candidates for a variety of careers in teaching and research both within and outside of academia. Graduate students are actively involved in laboratory research, course work, and presentation of research seminars. Thus, they acquire autonomy in conducting research and in preparing publications. The programs create a stimulating and challenging environment which will allow students to achieve excellence in research. Graduates of the programs must demonstrate research skills and credibility as professionals in their area of research. The Department is a participating unit in the following collaborative programs: the Bioinformatics program (at the master's level), the Human and Molecular Genetics program (at the master's and doctoral levels), and the Pathology and Experimental Medicine program (at the master's and doctoral levels).