Barts and The London Phase 1 Cheat Sheet

The grounding block: cells, molecules, genes, drugs, microbes and immunity, with anatomy, histology (the study of tissues under the microscope), body fluids and public health woven in.

Cells, proteins and DNA

• 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 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
• 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

Energy and metabolism basics

• Energy Reactions in Cells
• Dietary Energy Production
• Glycolysis
• Oxygen-dependent Pathway
• Energy Storage
• Oxidative Stress
• Temperature Regulation

Anatomy, histology and body plan

• Anatomical Terms
• Basics of Bone Anatomy
• How to Read a Histology Slide
• Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
• Connective Tissue
• Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
• Basics of Embryology
• Imaging of the Head and Neck

Nerves, signals and physiology

• Cells and Components of the Nervous System
• Membrane Potentials
• Action Potentials
• Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
• An Introduction to Endocrinology

Basic pharmacology

• Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmacodynamics
• Cholinergic Pharmacology
• Adrenergic Pharmacology
• Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
• Research Methods in Pharmacology
• Safe Prescribing

Microbiology and immunity

• Adaptive Immunity
• An Introduction to Infection
• 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
• Antibiotics
• Antibiotics
• Antivirals
• Food Allergy
• Hypersensitivity Reactions
• Immunological Therapies
• Introduction to Autoimmunity
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Type 1 Hypersensitivity

Disease processes and cancer biology

• Basics of Pathology
• An Introduction to Pathology
• Cellular Adaptations
• Acute Inflammation
• Chronic Inflammation
• Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
• Introduction to Neoplasia
• Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
• Behaviour of Neoplasms

Public health and experience of illness

• 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
• Child Immunisations

First clinical skills and tests

• Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
• Full Blood Count

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Infection

How blood, heart, vessels, lungs and kidneys get oxygen and nutrients in and waste out, including blood pressure, the cardiac cycle, ECG and the cardiorespiratory examination.

Blood and clotting

• 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
• Protein Function in Oxygen Transport
• Haemostasis and Clotting
• The Lymphatic System

Heart and blood vessels

• Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
• Cardiac Conduction and Contraction
• Cardiovascular Drugs
• Control of Cardiac Output
• Electrocardiograms
• Embryological Development of the CVS
• Pulses and Pressures
• Special Circulations
• The Cardiac Cycle
• Thrombosis and Embolism
• Atherosclerosis

Lungs and breathing

• Anatomy of the Respiratory System
• Carbon Dioxide Transport
• Chemical Control of Breathing and Plasma pH
• Development of the Respiratory System
• Lung Function Testing
• Properties of Gas Exchange
• Ventilation and Lung Mechanics

Kidney, fluid and blood pressure

• Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
• Development of the Urinary System
• Glomerular Filtration Rate and the Measurement of Kidney Function
• Control of Plasma Osmolarity
• Control of Plasma Volume
• Control of Potassium
• The Glomerulus: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
• The Nephron
• Micturition
• Diuretics

Drugs of the cardiorespiratory system

• Hypertension and Heart Failure
• Pharmacology of Airway Control
• Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology

Examination

• Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
• Respiratory System OSCE Examination
• Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
• Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Urinary System, Haematology

Normal structure and function of the limbs and spine: bones, joints, muscles, nerves and blood supply, with bone formation and the elbow and knee examinations.

Bone, joints and muscle

• 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
• 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
• Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
• Calcium Metabolism

Common injuries of the limbs and spine

• 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

Examination

• 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

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Embryology

Biochemistry and nutrition alongside the gut and liver: how food is digested, absorbed and turned into energy, and how hormones control this process. Includes the abdominal examination.

Metabolism and nutrition

• 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

The gut and liver

• 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
• Gastrointestinal Motility and the Enteric Nervous System
• Gastrointestinal Secretion, Digestion and Absorption
• Liver, Biliary and Exocrine Pancreatic Physiology

Hormones that regulate metabolism

• An Introduction to Endocrinology
• The Endocrine Pancreas
• Control of Appetite
• Pharmacology of Insulin

Examination

• Abdominal OSCE Examination
• Hernia OSCE Examination

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Metabolism, Gastrointestinal System, Endocrinology

A tour of the nervous system: neurones and glia (the cells that support neurones), sensory and motor pathways, vision, hearing, the cranial nerves, the skull and neck, and the blood supply and protection of the brain. Includes the peripheral nervous system examination.

Organisation of the nervous system

• Arterial Supply to the Brain
• Auditory and Vestibular Systems
• Basics of Neuroanatomy
• Cells and Components of the Nervous System
• Development of the Nervous System
• Higher Cortical Function
• Motor System
• Reticular Formation
• Somatosensory System
• The Cerebellum: Circuits, Coordination and Clinical Signs
• The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
• Visual System
• Dermatomes and Myotomes

Skull, neck, eye and ear

• 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
• Fascial Planes, Muscles and Triangles
• Imaging of the Head and Neck
• Introduction to Head & Neck Anatomy
• The Eye
• The Larynx
• The Meninges
• The Nose
• The Oral Cavity and Pharynx
• The Skull
• The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

Drugs and transmission

• Introduction to Psychopharmacology

Examination

• Cranial Nerve OSCE Examination
• Upper Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
• Lower Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
• Cerebellar 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

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck, Cell Physiology and Biology

The life course from conception to old age: reproductive anatomy and hormones, fertilisation, pregnancy, birth and childhood growth and development.

Reproductive anatomy and hormones

• Anatomy of the Man
• Anatomy of the Woman
• Development of the Reproductive System
• Gametogenesis
• Introduction to the Breast
• Labour and Delivery
• Physiology of the Fetus
• Physiology of the Mother
• Puberty
• The Pelvic Floor
• The Placenta

Embryo, fetus and newborn

• Basics of Embryology
• Teratology and Congenital Malformations

Childhood and ageing

• Child Immunisations
• Child Safeguarding
• Ageing

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology

The same systems as CR1 now seen when they go wrong: heart, lung and blood disease, how these diseases present, how they are diagnosed and the principles of treatment.

Heart and circulation

• Acute Coronary Syndrome
• Artery and Vein Disease
• Congenital Heart Defects
• Electrocardiogram Pathology
• Haemodynamic Shock
• Heart Failure
• Hypertension
• Murmurs
• Atherosclerosis
• Thrombosis and Embolism
• Cardiac Arrhythmias
• Hyperlipidaemias
• Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
• Cardiovascular Drugs
• Hypertension and Heart Failure

Lungs

• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Lung Cancer
• Pneumonia and other Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
• Pneumothorax and Pleural Effusion
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Respiratory Failure
• Tuberculosis
• Pharmacology of Airway Control
• Antibiotics
• Sepsis

Blood

• Anaemia
• Haemoglobinopathies
• When Haematopoiesis Goes Wrong
• Haematology in Systemic Disease
• Iron Metabolism
• Vitamin B12 and Folate
• Blood Groups, Crossmatching and Transfusion Reactions

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Haematology, Pharmacology

Gut, liver, endocrine and kidney disease: how these systems keep the body in balance and what happens in conditions such as diabetes, liver disease and kidney failure.

Gut and liver disease

• Distal Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
• Gastroenteritis and Enterocolitis
• Gastrointestinal Emergencies
• Gastrointestinal Malignancy
• Hepatic, Biliary and Pancreatic Pathology
• Intestinal Pathology
• Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
• Hepatitis
• Alcohol Metabolism
• Poisoning and STOPP/START
• Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
• Antiemetics and Laxatives

Endocrine disease

• Calcium Metabolism
• Diabetes Mellitus
• HPA and Growth Hormone
• Pituitary Disorders
• The Adrenal Glands and Adrenal Disorders
• The Thyroid Gland
• Pharmacology of Insulin
• Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
• Nutrition, Diet and Body Weight

Kidney and urinary disease

• Acute Kidney Injury
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Diabetic Nephropathy
• Glomerular Disease
• Hyponatraemia
• Male Urological Conditions
• Prostate Pathology
• Urinary Incontinence
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Urinary Tract Obstruction
• Urological Malignancy
• Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Endocrinology, Urinary System, Pharmacology

Where normal development goes wrong: infertility, problems in pregnancy and labour, the perinatal period (the time around birth) and how the body changes with age.

Reproductive health and pregnancy

• Benign Conditions of the Breast
• Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
• Infections of the Reproductive Tract
• Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
• Malignant Breast Disease
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• The Menopause
• The Menstrual Cycle and Menstrual Abnormalities
• Sex, Infertility and Contraception
• The Postpartum Period
• Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
• Teratology and Congenital Malformations
• Sepsis in Paediatrics

Ageing and the life course

• Ageing
• Falls
• Dementia
• Delirium
• Palliative Care
• Child Safeguarding

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology, Patient-Centred Care

An overview of the cancer patient pathway, building on the cell biology of cancer from Year 1: how tumours arise, behave, present and are diagnosed.

How cancer arises and behaves

• Introduction to Neoplasia
• Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
• Behaviour of Neoplasms
• DNA Repair and Cancer
• The Cell Cycle, Checkpoints and Apoptosis

Cancers by site

• Lung Cancer
• Gastrointestinal Malignancy
• Malignant Breast Disease
• Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
• Urological Malignancy
• Prostate Pathology
• Head and Neck Cancers
• Lymph Nodes and Neck Lumps

Treatment and the patient

• Cancer Chemotherapy
• Palliative Care
• Breast OSCE Examination
• Lymphoreticular OSCE Examination
• Neck Lump OSCE Examination

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Pathology, Genetics

Neurological and mental health disorders: stroke, headache, dementia, movement disorders, CNS infection, mood disorders and psychosis (loss of contact with reality), with the pharmacology of treating them.

Neurological disease

• Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
• Delirium
• Dementia
• Headaches
• Infections of the Central Nervous System
• Mood Disorders
• Movement Disorders
• Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
• Psychosis
• Raised Intracranial Pressure
• Stroke
• Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
• Ear Pathology

Drugs of the nervous system

• Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
• Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
• Introduction to Psychopharmacology
• Opioids
• Anaesthetics

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Pharmacology

Public health, medical statistics and epidemiology, medical sociology and health psychology, and what they mean for patient care, prevention and the wider health system.

Population 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

Prevention and patients

• Child Immunisations
• Lifestyle Medicine
• Men's Health
• Travel-related Infections

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care

The common conditions of bone, joint, muscle, tendon, ligament and skin: osteoporosis, osteoarthritis (long-term damage to joint cartilage and bone), rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune inflammation of the joints), soft tissue injury and skin infection and inflammation.

Bone, joint and soft tissue disease

• 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
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Introduction to Autoimmunity
• NSAIDs
• Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy

Skin

• Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
• Staphylococci and Other Gram-positive Bacteria
• Streptococci
• Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
• Rash and Non-Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Immunology, Pathology

Across both years: taking a history, examining each system and communicating well. These guides cover the examinations step by step.

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

• Anatomical Terms
• Key Areas of the Upper Limb
• Key Areas of the Lower Limb
• Dermatomes and Myotomes

The wider consultation

• Models of Health
• Beliefs of the Public
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Lifestyle Medicine
• Palliative Care
• Stroke

Practice OSCE questions on SimpleMed+

Ethics, public health and patient-centred care, and the social and professional side of being a doctor.

Patient-Centred Care

• Ageing
• Child Immunisations
• Child Safeguarding
• Falls
• Lifestyle Medicine
• Men's Health
• Palliative Care
• Sepsis in Paediatrics

Population and Social Science

• Beliefs of the Public
• Models of Health
• Health Economics
• Patient Safety and Quality Control
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Epidemiological Studies
• Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
• Introduction to Population Science
• Population and Social Science Summary

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Patient-Centred Care, Population and Social Science