This project was a partial evaluation of the new approach to teaching medical microscopic anatomy developed at the University of Iowa. The format of the course included specific objectives given to the students in advance, with the main sources of information coming from independent readings and laboratory exercises, demonstration of mastery of the units by passing combined written and oral examinations before moving on to the next unit, individualized pacing of course work, and weekly student seminars on topics from this course and others running concurrently. The overall effectiveness of the format compared to that of other courses was considered by the students responding to a questionnaire to be very high. It was found that comprehensive examinations and unit quizzes significantly increased achievement, even though the students rated them less desirable than other characteristics of the course. The seminars required more of the students' time for preparation than was justified by the benefits and therefore were discontinued. (CP)