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An independent study programme (ISP) was devised to permit self-paced learning in a combined epidemiology and biostatistics course for second-year medical students. The ISP was offered as an alternative to lecture instruction and the enrolment was restricted to 40 students out of a class of 176. The students who selected the ISP were superior to the remainder of the class with regard to MCAT scores and performance in first-year subjects. The ISP group scored higher on the examinations given in the course, including a set of 35 final examination questions which were identical for all students. This difference persisted even when the scores were adjusted for ability by use of MCAT scores. The time taken to complete the ISP varied considerably and there was no correlation between completion time and performance. Almost all the ISP students indicated satisfaction with the course and expressed a desire to have a similar option in subsequent courses.