At the University of Adelaide Medical School, students are given additional intensive training in basic clinical skills during a six-week period in the fifth year. The course includes history-taking, physical examination, decision making and problem solving. Teaching activities are based predominantly on a preceptor system, backed by small-group sessions and by activities designed to encourage habits of self-learning. Assessment is competence based: staff attempt to compare students' performance with the objectives of the programme and decide whether or not they have achieved the desired standard. The course attracts positive ratings from students and retains the support of staff.