Cardiff Medical School Phase 1 Cheat Sheet
Cardiff's Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2), from the Platform for Clinical Science (the opening science block of Year 1) to Case 17, with the SimpleMed articles for each. Find your case, open the articles, revise.
- 4 blocks
- 24 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by Cardiff University School of Medicine. About this page
Year 1, Autumn term
Formative examsBasic Building Blocks
48 articles
The first strand of the Platform for Clinical Science: cells, proteins, DNA, energy and the basic tissues.
Cell Physiology and Biology
- Biological Membranes
- Enzymes and Regulation of Protein Function
- 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
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
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
Pathology
- How to Read a Histology Slide
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- Cellular Adaptations
- An Introduction to Pathology
- Basics of Pathology
Musculoskeletal System
- Connective Tissue
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Structure of Bones
- Structure of the Muscles
- Anatomical Terms
- Basics of Bone Anatomy
- Joints
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Metabolism
Distribution and Defence
59 articles
Blood, the heart and lungs as a transport system, and the body's defences against infection and injury.
Cardiovascular System
- Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
- The Cardiac Cycle
- Cardiac Conduction and Contraction
- Control of Cardiac Output
- Pulses and Pressures
- Special Circulations
- Embryological Development of the CVS
- Haemodynamic Shock
Respiratory System
- Anatomy of the Respiratory System
- Ventilation and Lung Mechanics
- Properties of Gas Exchange
- Carbon Dioxide Transport
- Chemical Control of Breathing and Plasma pH
- Development of the Respiratory System
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
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
Immunology
- Food Allergy
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immunological Therapies
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
Pathology
- Acute Inflammation
- Chronic Inflammation
- Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
- The Lymphatic System
- Haemostasis and Clotting
- Thrombosis and Embolism
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Haematology, Infection, Immunology, Pathology
Control and Communication
21 articles
Nerves, hormones and the signals cells use to talk to each other, plus the brain and its blood supply.
Cell Physiology and Biology
- Action Potentials
- Membrane Potentials
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
- Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Development of the Nervous System
- Arterial Supply to the Brain
- Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
- Somatosensory System
- Motor System
- The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
Endocrinology
From other subjects
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- The Meninges
- Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
- Dermatomes and Myotomes
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Endocrinology, Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
Year 1, Cases 1 to 6
Year 1 science paperCase 1: Sports Injury
44 articles
Bones, joints, muscles and nerves of the limbs, learnt through the injuries that bring sportspeople 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 Elbow
- Conditions of the Foot
- Conditions of the Hand
- Conditions of the Hip
- Conditions of the Knee
- 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
OSCE
- 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
From other subjects
Case 2: Chest Pain
18 articles
How the heart works and what causes chest pain, from the coronary arteries and ECG to the drugs used in acute coronary syndrome.
Cardiovascular System
- Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
- The Cardiac Cycle
- Cardiac Conduction and Contraction
- Electrocardiograms
- Electrocardiogram Pathology
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Cardiovascular Drugs
- Pulses and Pressures
Pharmacology
From other subjects
- Atherosclerosis
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Pneumothorax and Pleural Effusion
- Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
- Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Pharmacology
Case 3: Respiratory
23 articles
Breathing from airway to alveolus: mechanics, gas exchange, control, and the common chest diseases and infections.
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
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
- Respiratory System OSCE Examination
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Innate Immunity
- The Nose
- The Larynx
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Respiratory System, Infection
Case 4: Sexual Health
20 articles
Male and female reproductive anatomy, contraception and the infections passed on through sex, including HIV and hepatitis.
Reproductive System
- Anatomy of the Woman
- Anatomy of the Man
- Development of the Reproductive System
- Puberty
- Gametogenesis
- Sex, Infertility and Contraception
- Infections of the Reproductive Tract
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
- The Menstrual Cycle and Menstrual Abnormalities
- The Menopause
Infection
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis
- Principles of Medical Virology
- Bacterial Structure, Classification and Growth
- Fungi and Parasites: The Eukaryotic Pathogens
From other subjects
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Male Urological Conditions
- Testicular OSCE Examination
- Men's Health
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Infection
Case 5: Cognitive Decline
20 articles
The ageing brain: dementia, delirium and the reversible causes that must be excluded, with the neuroanatomy behind memory and thinking.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Dementia
- Delirium
- Higher Cortical Function
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
- Arterial Supply to the Brain
- Stroke
- The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
- Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
- Movement Disorders
- Mood Disorders
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Vitamin B12 and Folate
- The Thyroid Gland
- Cranial Nerve OSCE Examination
- Upper Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Patient-Centred Care
Case 6: Upper GI
18 articles
The mouth, oesophagus, stomach and liver: how they digest and absorb, and how reflux, ulcers and liver disease present.
Gastrointestinal System
- Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Foregut
- Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Canal
- Gastrointestinal Motility and the Enteric Nervous System
- Gastrointestinal Secretion, Digestion and Absorption
- Liver, Biliary and Exocrine Pancreatic Physiology
- Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
- Hepatic, Biliary and Pancreatic Pathology
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
Metabolism
From other subjects
Year 2, Cases 7 to 13
Progress TestsCase 7: Antenatal
15 articles
Fertilisation, the placenta and the changes of pregnancy for mother and fetus, plus screening, genetics and conditions that complicate pregnancy.
Reproductive System
- Gametogenesis
- The Placenta
- Physiology of the Mother
- Physiology of the Fetus
- Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
- Sex, Infertility and Contraception
Embryology
Genetics
- Genotype, Phenotype, and Inheritance
- Mitosis and Meiosis
- Genetic Testing and Counselling
- Epigenetics, Genomic Imprinting and Mitochondrial Inheritance
From other subjects
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Blood Groups, Crossmatching and Transfusion Reactions
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology, Genetics
Case 8: Pregnancy & Birth
13 articles
Labour, delivery and the weeks after birth, including the pelvic floor, breast and lactation, and the drugs used around pregnancy.
Reproductive System
- Labour and Delivery
- The Postpartum Period
- The Pelvic Floor
- Anatomy of the Woman
- Introduction to the Breast
- Benign Conditions of the Breast
- Physiology of the Mother
- Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
From other subjects
Case 9: Child Health
18 articles
Growth, development and the conditions of childhood: congenital heart disease, immunisation, safeguarding and the sick child.
Patient-Centred Care
Head and Neck
From other subjects
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Embryological Development of the CVS
- Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis
- Development of the Respiratory System
- Haemoglobinopathies
- HPA and Growth Hormone
- Puberty
- Development of the Nervous System
- Development of the Urinary System
- Gastroenteritis and Enterocolitis
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
- Food Allergy
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Patient-Centred Care, Embryology
Case 10: Mental Health
15 articles
Mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders, the brain systems involved, and the drugs and lifestyle measures used to treat them.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Psychosis
- The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
- Reticular Formation
- Higher Cortical Function
- Delirium
- Dementia
Pharmacology
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Pharmacology
Case 11: Diabetes
24 articles
Insulin, glucose and the metabolic pathways behind diabetes, its complications in the eyes, kidneys, nerves and feet, and how it is treated.
Endocrinology
- An Introduction to Endocrinology
- Calcium Metabolism
- Control of Appetite
- Diabetes Mellitus
- HPA and Growth Hormone
- Pituitary Disorders
- The Adrenal Glands and Adrenal Disorders
- The Endocrine Pancreas
- The Thyroid Gland
Metabolism
- Glycolysis
- Energy Storage
- Lipid Metabolism and Transport
- Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
- Nutrition, Diet and Body Weight
- Oxidative Stress
OSCE
- Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
- Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
- Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
- Acromegaly OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Endocrinology, Metabolism
Case 12: Heart Failure
27 articles
Why the failing heart cannot keep up, how the kidneys and hormones respond, and the diuretics and other drugs used to treat it.
Cardiovascular System
- Heart Failure
- Control of Cardiac Output
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular Drugs
- Murmurs
- Pulses and Pressures
- Special Circulations
- Artery and Vein Disease
- Congenital Heart Defects
Urinary System
- Diuretics
- Control of Plasma Volume
- Control of Plasma Osmolarity
- Control of Potassium
- Hyponatraemia
- The Nephron
- Glomerular Filtration Rate and the Measurement of Kidney Function
- The Glomerulus: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
- Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Glomerular Disease
OSCE
- Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
- Varicose Vein OSCE Examination
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) OSCE Examination
- Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Urinary System
Case 13: Brain Injury
29 articles
The skull, meninges and brain after trauma: bleeding, raised pressure, stroke and seizures, plus the cranial nerves and motor pathways.
Head and Neck
- The Skull
- The Meninges
- Blood Supply to the Head and Neck
- Cranial Nerves I-VI
- Cranial Nerves VII-XII
- Imaging of the Head and Neck
- Introduction to Head & Neck Anatomy
- Fascial Planes, Muscles and Triangles
- The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
- Autonomics of the Head and Neck
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
- Stroke
- Arterial Supply to the Brain
- Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
- Motor System
- Somatosensory System
- The Cerebellum: Circuits, Coordination and Clinical Signs
- Visual System
- Auditory and Vestibular Systems
- Headaches
- Movement Disorders
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
OSCE
- Cerebellar OSCE Examination
- Lower Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Fundoscopy (Ophthalmoscopy) OSCE Examination
- Eye and Vision OSCE Examination
- Visual Acuity OSCE Assessment
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck
Year 2, Cases 14 to 17
Progress Test and ISCECase 14: Back Pain
18 articles
The spine, its nerves and the causes of back pain, from muscle strain to disc disease and inflammatory arthritis, plus the painkillers used.
Musculoskeletal System
- The Spine
- Conditions of the Back and Neck
- Conditions of the Lower Back
- The Lumbar Plexus
- The Sacral Plexus
- Dermatomes and Myotomes
- Muscles of the Gluteal Region
- Conditions of the Hip
Immunology
Pharmacology
From other subjects
- Calcium Metabolism
- Spine OSCE Examination
- Lower Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Urinary Tract Obstruction
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Pharmacology
Case 15: Lower GI
21 articles
The small and large bowel: absorption, bowel habit, inflammatory bowel disease and bowel cancer, plus examination of the abdomen and rectum.
Gastrointestinal System
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Midgut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Hindgut
- Intestinal Pathology
- Distal Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
- Gastroenteritis and Enterocolitis
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
- Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Canal
- Gastrointestinal Secretion, Digestion and Absorption
- Gastrointestinal Motility and the Enteric Nervous System
Haematology
OSCE
From other subjects
Case 16: Malignancy
26 articles
How cells become cancer: the genes, cell cycle and behaviour of tumours, then the common cancers and the drugs and screening used against them.
Pathology
OSCE
- Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Rash and Non-Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Lymphoreticular OSCE Examination
- Neck Lump OSCE Examination
- Breast OSCE Examination
From other subjects
- DNA Repair and Cancer
- The Cell Cycle, Checkpoints and Apoptosis
- Molecular Techniques for Medics
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Immunological Therapies
- 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
- When Haematopoiesis Goes Wrong
- Haematology in Systemic Disease
- Palliative Care
- Epidemiological Studies
Case 17: Acutely Unwell
24 articles
Recognising and starting to treat the deteriorating patient: sepsis, shock, respiratory and kidney failure, poisoning and acute neurological and surgical emergencies.
Respiratory System
Urinary System
Pharmacology
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
From other subjects
- Sepsis
- Antibiotics
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
- Blood Groups, Crossmatching and Transfusion Reactions
- Haemostasis and Clotting
- Thrombosis and Embolism
- Temperature Regulation
- Patient Safety and Quality Control
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Infection, Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Clinical and Communication Skills
50 articles
Taught through both years: history taking, examination and practical procedures.
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
Behavioural and Social Sciences
10 articles
Psychology and sociology taught throughout the course: how people understand health and illness, how populations are studied, and how evidence is weighed.
Population and Social Science
- Models of Health
- Beliefs of the Public
- Introduction to Population Science
- Epidemiological Studies
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Health Economics
- Population and Social Science Summary
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
Professionalism and Personal Development
6 articles
Being a doctor: safety, teamwork, reflection and wellbeing. These articles cover quality, safety and safeguarding.
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Student Selected Components
5 articles
Projects in the Student Selected Components (SSC) programme build research and appraisal skills. These articles explain study design, statistics and reading evidence.
Population and Social Science
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Pharmacology
How Cardiff assesses Phase 1
- Year 1 starts with the 12-week Platform for Clinical Science, then Cases 1 to 6. Exams are science papers plus a practice Progress Test (a single best answer knowledge test). After the Platform, students sit two formative (practice) papers: an anatomy spotter (identifying tagged structures on specimens or images) and a single best answer paper.
- From Year 2, single best answer Progress Tests check your knowledge four times a year, alongside a science paper. Anatomy exams and end-of-unit quizzes also appear.
- The Year 2 ISCE, an integrated structured clinical examination, is the clinical exam of Year 2.
- This page follows the five-year course (UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, code A100). The graduate-entry route (A101) is not mapped here.
- Cardiff 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
- Memory aids
- Linked to the question bank
Getting ready for clinical
The later phases are clinical, on placements in hospitals and general practice.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Cardiff University School of Medicine or Cardiff University. Case and strand titles follow Cardiff's published curriculum overview; the article mapping and topic grouping are our own. Always check your official course materials. Last updated October 2026.
