Aston Medical School Phase 1 Cheat Sheet
Every block of Aston's Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2), with the SimpleMed articles that cover it. Find your block, open the articles, revise.
- 2 years
- 20 units
- 356 different SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by Aston Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Full year
Year 1 examsCell Biology and Genetics
25 articles
The cell from the inside (membranes, proteins, enzymes, DNA) and how genes are inherited, mutated, repaired and tested for in the clinic.
Cell Physiology and Biology
- Action Potentials
- Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
- Biological Membranes
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
- Enzymes and Regulation of Protein Function
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Introduction to DNA
- Introduction to the Cell
- Membrane Potentials
- Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
- Molecular Techniques for Medics
- Post-translational Modification and Collagen Biosynthesis
- Protein Function in Oxygen Transport
- Protein Targeting
- Structure of Proteins
- The Cell Cycle, Checkpoints and Apoptosis
Genetics
- DNA Repair and Cancer
- Epigenetics, Genomic Imprinting and Mitochondrial Inheritance
- Gene Expression
- Genetic Testing and Counselling
- Genotype, Phenotype, and Inheritance
- Introduction to Gene Mutation
- Mitosis and Meiosis
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics
Sociological and Psychological Aspects of Health
8 articles
How beliefs, behaviour and social circumstances shape health and illness, and how doctors can recognise and respond to them.
Population and Social Science
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
Fundamentals of Body Structure
19 articles
Normal structure from tissues up: the four basic tissues, bone, joint and muscle, early development and nervous system basics.
Musculoskeletal System
- Anatomical Terms
- Connective Tissue
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Structure of Bones
- Basics of Bone Anatomy
- Joints
- Structure of the Muscles
- Muscles in Action
- Dermatomes and Myotomes
Pathology
Cell Physiology and Biology
From other subjects
- Basics of Embryology
- Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
- Temperature Regulation
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Embryology, Cell Physiology and Biology
Public and Global Health
12 articles
Medicine at the scale of whole populations: how disease is measured, how studies are designed and read, prevention and screening, and how healthcare is delivered in the UK and worldwide.
Population and Social Science
- Beliefs of the Public
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Epidemiological Studies
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Health Economics
- Introduction to Population Science
- Models of Health
- Patient Safety and Quality Control
- Population and Social Science Summary
From other subjects
Practice Population and Social Science questions on SimpleMed+
Physiology and Pharmacology
13 articles
How cells move ions, fire signals and respond to chemical messengers such as hormones, and the first principles of how drugs act, are absorbed, cleared and monitored.
Cell Physiology and Biology
- Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
- Membrane Potentials
- Action Potentials
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
- Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
Pharmacology
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacodynamics
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Pharmacology
Cardiovascular System
27 articles
How the heart and vessels are built and controlled, how to examine and image them, and what goes wrong in common heart and circulation disease.
Cardiovascular System
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
- Artery and Vein Disease
- Cardiac Conduction and Contraction
- Cardiovascular Drugs
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Control of Cardiac Output
- Electrocardiogram Pathology
- Electrocardiograms
- Embryological Development of the CVS (cardiovascular system)
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Heart Failure
- Hypertension
- Murmurs
- Pulses and Pressures
- Special Circulations
- The Cardiac Cycle
Pharmacology
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hyperlipidaemias
OSCE
- Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
- Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
- Varicose Vein OSCE Examination
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Pharmacology
Musculoskeletal
48 articles
Bones, joints, muscles and nerves of the limbs and spine, learnt through the injuries and conditions that bring patients to clinic.
Musculoskeletal System
- Anatomical Terms
- Basics of Bone Anatomy
- Bones of the Foot
- Bones of the Hand
- Bones of the Lower Limb
- Bones of the Upper Limb
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Conditions of the Ankle
- Conditions of the Arm
- Conditions of the Back and Neck
- Conditions of the Elbow
- Conditions of the Foot
- Conditions of the Hand
- Conditions of the Hip
- Conditions of the Knee
- Conditions of the Lower Back
- Conditions of the Lower Leg
- Conditions of the Shoulder and Clavicle
- Conditions of the Thigh
- Conditions of the Wrist
- Connective Tissue
- Dermatomes and Myotomes
- Joints
- Key Areas of the Lower Limb
- Key Areas of the Upper Limb
- Muscles in Action
- Muscles of the Forearm
- Muscles of the Gluteal Region
- Muscles of the Lower Leg
- Muscles of the Shoulder
- Muscles of the Thigh
- Muscles of the Upper Arm
- Structure of Bones
- Structure of the Muscles
- The Brachial Plexus
- The Lumbar Plexus
- The Sacral Plexus
- The Spine
OSCE
- Ankle and Foot OSCE Examination
- Elbow OSCE Examination
- GALS Screening OSCE Examination (gait, arms, legs, spine)
- Hand and Wrist OSCE Examination
- Hip OSCE Examination
- Knee OSCE Examination
- Shoulder OSCE Examination
- Spine OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Infection
22 articles
The bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that cause disease, how the body's immune system responds, and how infection is investigated and treated.
Infection
- Adaptive Immunity
- An Introduction to Infection
- Antibiotics
- Bacterial Structure, Classification and Growth
- Biofilms
- Fungi and Parasites: The Eukaryotic Pathogens
- Gram Staining and Infection Investigations
- Gram-negative Bacteria: Structure, Entry Routes and Endotoxin
- Hepatitis
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Innate Immunity
- Principles of Medical Virology
- Sepsis
- Staphylococci and Other Gram-positive Bacteria
- Streptococci
- The Immunocompromised Host
- The Infection Model
- The Organisms Gram Staining Misses
- Travel-related Infections
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Infection, Immunology
Metabolism, Endocrinology and Haematology (MEH)
33 articles
How the body releases, stores and regulates energy, the hormones that control it, and how blood is made. Diabetes, anaemia and nutrition bring energy, hormones and blood together.
Metabolism
- Alcohol Metabolism
- Dietary Energy Production
- Energy Reactions in Cells
- Energy Storage
- Glycolysis
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Lipid Metabolism and Transport
- Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
- Nutrition, Diet and Body Weight
- Oxidative Stress
- Oxygen-dependent Pathway
- Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism
- Purine and Pyrimidine Metabolism
- Temperature Regulation
- Vitamins, Cofactors, Minerals and Trace Elements
Endocrinology
- An Introduction to Endocrinology
- Calcium Metabolism
- Control of Appetite
- Diabetes Mellitus
- HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary axis) and Growth Hormone
- Pituitary Disorders
- The Adrenal Glands and Adrenal Disorders
- The Endocrine Pancreas
- The Thyroid Gland
Haematology
- Anaemia
- Blood Groups, Crossmatching and Transfusion Reactions
- Full Blood Count
- Haematology in Systemic Disease
- Haematopoiesis and the Spleen
- Haemoglobinopathies
- Iron Metabolism
- Vitamin B12 and Folate
- When Haematopoiesis Goes Wrong
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Metabolism, Endocrinology, Haematology
Pathological Processes
17 articles
The handful of processes behind most disease: inflammation, repair, adaptation (cells changing in response to stress), thrombosis and cancer.
Pathology
- Acute Inflammation
- An Introduction to Pathology
- Atherosclerosis
- Basics of Pathology
- Behaviour of Neoplasms
- Cellular Adaptations
- Chronic Inflammation
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- Haemostasis and Clotting
- How to Read a Histology Slide
- Introduction to Neoplasia
- Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
- Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
- The Lymphatic System
- Thrombosis and Embolism
From other subjects
Year 2, Full year
Year 2 examsClinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
28 articles
Drug action applied to real patients, class by class, and the principles of prescribing safely.
Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- Anaesthetics
- Antibiotics
- Antiemetics and Laxatives
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Antivirals
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
- Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- NSAIDs
- Opioids
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
- Pharmacology of Insulin
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- Poisoning and STOPP/START (tools for reviewing prescriptions in older people)
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Safe Prescribing
Gastrointestinal System
22 articles
The gut from mouth to rectum plus the liver, gallbladder and pancreas: development, digestion and absorption, and the common diseases and emergencies.
Gastrointestinal System
- Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Canal
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Foregut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Hindgut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Midgut
- Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Distal Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
- Gastroenteritis and Enterocolitis
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy
- Gastrointestinal Motility and the Enteric Nervous System
- Gastrointestinal Secretion, Digestion and Absorption
- Hepatic, Biliary and Pancreatic Pathology
- Intestinal Pathology
- Liver, Biliary and Exocrine Pancreatic Physiology
- Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
OSCE
- Abdominal OSCE Examination
- Rectal (PR, per rectum) OSCE Examination
- Stoma OSCE Examination
- Hernia OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Head and Neck
35 articles
The skull, face, neck, eye, ear, nose and throat in their clinical context, and the cranial nerves. It also covers the anatomy of the brain and the meninges (the membranes around the brain and spinal cord).
Head and Neck
- Anatomy of the Ear
- Autonomics of the Head and Neck
- Blood Supply to the Head and Neck
- Cranial Nerves I-VI
- Cranial Nerves VII-XII
- Development of the Head and Neck
- Ear Pathology
- Fascial Planes, Muscles and Triangles
- Head and Neck Cancers
- Imaging of the Head and Neck
- Introduction to Head & Neck Anatomy
- Lymph Nodes and Neck Lumps
- The Eye
- The Larynx
- The Meninges
- The Nose
- The Oral Cavity and Pharynx
- The Skull
- The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
- Development of the Nervous System
- Arterial Supply to the Brain
- Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
- Visual System
- Auditory and Vestibular Systems
OSCE
- Cranial Nerve OSCE Examination
- Eye and Vision OSCE Examination
- Visual Acuity OSCE Assessment
- Fundoscopy (Ophthalmoscopy) OSCE Examination
- Anterior Segment Eye OSCE Examination
- Ear, Otoscopy and Hearing OSCE Examination
- Nasal OSCE Examination
- Neck Lump OSCE Examination
- Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Head and Neck, Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
Immune System
14 articles
How the immune system defends us, and what happens when it overreacts, attacks the body or fails.
Immunology
- Food Allergy
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immunological Therapies
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
Infection
From other subjects
Respiratory System
18 articles
How we breathe, exchange gases and keep blood pH steady, how lung function is tested, and the common airway, infective and malignant lung diseases.
Respiratory System
- Anatomy of the Respiratory System
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis
- Carbon Dioxide Transport
- Chemical Control of Breathing and Plasma pH
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Development of the Respiratory System
- Lung Cancer
- Lung Function Testing
- Pneumonia and other Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
- Pneumothorax and Pleural Effusion
- Properties of Gas Exchange
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Respiratory Failure
- Tuberculosis
- Ventilation and Lung Mechanics
From other subjects
Renal and Urinary Systems
23 articles
How the kidneys filter blood and balance water, salt, potassium and acid, and the diseases of the kidneys, bladder and prostate.
Urinary System
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Control of Plasma Osmolarity
- Control of Plasma Volume
- Control of Potassium
- Development of the Urinary System
- Diabetic Nephropathy
- Diuretics
- Glomerular Disease
- Glomerular Filtration Rate and the Measurement of Kidney Function
- Hyponatraemia
- Male Urological Conditions
- Micturition
- Prostate Pathology
- The Glomerulus: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
- The Nephron
- Urinary Incontinence
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Urinary Tract Obstruction
- Urological Malignancy
From other subjects
Social and Psychological Aspects of Health 2
15 articles
Second-year depth on how mind, behaviour and social circumstances affect illness: mental health, long-term conditions, ageing and end of life.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
Patient-Centred Care
Population and Social Science
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
Integration Clinical Application
72 articles
Brings Year 2 together around clinical problems. Aston does not list separate Phase 1 blocks for the nervous or reproductive systems, so those articles sit here as the nearest fit.
Acute and emergency problems
- Sepsis
- Sepsis in Paediatrics
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Respiratory Failure
- Poisoning and STOPP/START
- Safe Prescribing
Brain and nerves
- Arterial Supply to the Brain
- Auditory and Vestibular Systems
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
- Development of the Nervous System
- Headaches
- Higher Cortical Function
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- Motor System
- Movement Disorders
- Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
- Reticular Formation
- Somatosensory System
- Stroke
- Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
- The Cerebellum: Circuits, Coordination and Clinical Signs
- The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
- Visual System
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Anaesthetics
- Opioids
- Upper Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Lower Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Cerebellar OSCE Examination
Reproduction, pregnancy and breast
- Anatomy of the Man
- Anatomy of the Woman
- Benign Conditions of the Breast
- Development of the Reproductive System
- Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
- Gametogenesis
- Infections of the Reproductive Tract
- Introduction to the Breast
- Labour and Delivery
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
- Malignant Breast Disease
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Physiology of the Fetus
- Physiology of the Mother
- Puberty
- Sex, Infertility and Contraception
- The Menopause
- The Menstrual Cycle and Menstrual Abnormalities
- The Pelvic Floor
- The Placenta
- The Postpartum Period
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Breast OSCE Examination
- Testicular OSCE Examination
Cancer and blood
- Introduction to Neoplasia
- Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
- Behaviour of Neoplasms
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Haematology in Systemic Disease
- Lymphoreticular OSCE Examination
- Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Rash and Non-Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
Other patient groups
- Index Conditions for OSCE exams
- Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis
- Men's Health
- Congenital Heart Defects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Reproductive System, Patient-Centred Care
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Introduction to Clinical Practice 1 and 2 (ICP 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b)
50 articles
The clinical thread through both years: communication, consultation, history taking, examination and procedures, with primary care placements. The guides below are mostly examinations and procedures, grouped by body system, with surface anatomy and the wider consultation at the end.
Browse every examination guide on the SimpleMed OSCE hub
Start here
- Index Conditions for OSCE exams
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
- Venepuncture and Blood Cultures OSCE Guide
Heart, lungs and circulation
- Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
- Respiratory System OSCE Examination
- Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
- Varicose Vein OSCE Examination
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) OSCE Examination
Abdomen and groin
- Abdominal OSCE Examination
- Rectal (PR) OSCE Examination
- Stoma OSCE Examination
- Hernia OSCE Examination
- Testicular OSCE Examination
Nervous system
- Cranial Nerve OSCE Examination
- Upper Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Lower Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Cerebellar OSCE Examination
Joints and spine
- GALS Screening OSCE Examination
- Shoulder OSCE Examination
- Elbow OSCE Examination
- Hand and Wrist OSCE Examination
- Hip OSCE Examination
- Knee OSCE Examination
- Ankle and Foot OSCE Examination
- Spine OSCE Examination
Endocrine
- Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
- Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
- Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
- Acromegaly OSCE Examination
Eyes, ears, nose and neck
- Eye and Vision OSCE Examination
- Visual Acuity OSCE Assessment
- Fundoscopy (Ophthalmoscopy) OSCE Examination
- Anterior Segment Eye OSCE Examination
- Ear, Otoscopy and Hearing OSCE Examination
- Nasal OSCE Examination
- Neck Lump OSCE Examination
Skin, breast and lymph nodes
- Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Rash and Non-Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Breast OSCE Examination
- Lymphoreticular OSCE Examination
Surface anatomy
The wider consultation
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: OSCE, Patient-Centred Care
Professional development and skills
7 articles
The professional side of both years: ethics, law, reflective practice, communicating with patients and peers, and finding and judging evidence. The articles below cover evidence, population science, patient safety and safe prescribing.
Population and Social Science
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Epidemiological Studies
- Patient Safety and Quality Control
- Models of Health
- Beliefs of the Public
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
How Aston assesses Phase 1
- Phase 1 has two modules, Fundamentals of Medicine 1 and 2, made up of the blocks above. Assessment mixes in-course assignments, computer-based knowledge exams, practical clinical skills tests and continuous assessment of professional behaviour.
- Across the MBChB (the medical degree, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), Aston assesses clinical skills with simulated patients (people who play the part of patients). Aston says these assessments run from early March to late July, some on the Aston campus and many at partner hospital sites across the West Midlands (Birmingham, Dudley and Wolverhampton).
- Aston does not publish exam names, so the labels Year 1 exams and Year 2 exams are ours. The Aston course page lists the blocks in each year but does not say what order they run in, so blocks here follow the order of that list.
- Aston Medical School publishes the official dates and formats. Always check your own course materials.
Test yourself
Reading is half of revision. Each unit above links to matching single best answer questions on SimpleMed+.
SimpleMed+ Encyclopaedia
Hard topics, made short and simple
A free bank of short and simple explanations of complex topics, with memory aids, in bitesize pages. Each one links to the SimpleMed+ questions that test it and to the core knowledge your exams expect.
- Bitesize explanations
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Getting ready for clinical
In Phase 2 (Years 3 to 5), a large share of your learning takes place in clinical settings, on placements in hospitals and general practice.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Aston Medical School or Aston University. Block names follow Aston's published course page, except Professional development and skills, which is our own grouping and not an Aston block. Aston publishes no topic lists, so what each block contains is our own grouping. Lists headed From other subjects hold articles filed under a different SimpleMed subject that also fit the block. Always check your official course materials. Last updated October 2026.
