A preparatory course for medical students who lack a conventional academic background

McMaster University School of Medicine admits students who may not have had an extensive education in physics, chemistry, and biology. For several years a short preliminary course was offered to those students. The course has since been discontinued, and its objectives have been incorporated into the M.D. program. This approach has been taken in an attempt to conform to the educational policy of the program. However, since the course was seen to be highly successful and, therefore, may be of use to others, its objectives and teaching methods are described.