This is one of twelve Medical Masterclass modules that are divided as follows: two cover the scientific background to medicine, one is devoted to general clinical issues, one to emergency medicine and practical procedures, and eight cover the range of clinical specialties. Scientific Background to Medicine II covers the background to statistics, epidemiology, evidence-based medicine and clinical pharmacology. Where possible, clinical relevance is indicated, and core information is cross-referenced to the cases in the clinical modules as appropriate. This module also includes a self-assessment section, and there are numerous full colour illustrations to support the text. Colour-coded boxes and icons are used throughout to highlight key information, clinical pointers, notes of particular significance, warnings and useful tips. Sample pages and more information can be found at www.medirect.com/mrcp. Medical Masterclass is produced by the Education Department of the Royal College of Physicians of London and published by Blackwell Publishing. The complete Medical Masterclass is comprised of twelve paper-based modules, two CD-ROMs and a companion website. Its aim is to help doctors in their first few years of training and to improve their medical skills and knowledge. It will also be useful in preparing for the MRCP (UK) exam.