Chester Medical School Year 1 Cheat Sheet
Chester's Year 1, with the biomedical topics (the science behind medicine, such as anatomy and physiology) grouped by body system and matched to SimpleMed articles. Find your topic, open the articles, revise.
- 2 parts
- 12 units
- 356 different SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by University of Chester Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Blocks 1 to 5
End of Year 1 examsCells, genes and metabolism
43 articles
The molecular starting point (the body at the level of molecules): cell structure, proteins, DNA, inheritance and the metabolic pathways (chains of chemical reactions) that release and store energy.
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
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
From other subjects
- How to Read a Histology Slide
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- Connective Tissue
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Basics of Embryology
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Metabolism
Disease processes, immunity and infection
46 articles
Inflammation, repair, clotting and cancer, then the immune system and the organisms that cause infection.
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
Immunology
- Food Allergy
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immunological Therapies
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
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
Pharmacology
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Pathology, Immunology, Infection
Blood, heart and lungs
47 articles
Circulation and breathing together: heart structure, the cardiac cycle, gas exchange, blood cells and clotting, and the common heart, lung and blood diseases.
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
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Heart Failure
- Hypertension
- Murmurs
- Pulses and Pressures
- Special Circulations
- The Cardiac Cycle
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
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
From other subjects
- Protein Function in Oxygen Transport
- The Nose
- The Larynx
- Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
- Respiratory System OSCE Examination
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Haematology
Gut, liver and kidneys
42 articles
Digestion and absorption, the liver and pancreas, and how the kidneys filter blood and balance water, salt and acid.
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
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
OSCE
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System
Hormones and diabetes
15 articles
The endocrine glands and the hormones that regulate growth, stress, calcium and blood sugar, with diabetes as the worked example.
Endocrinology
- An Introduction to Endocrinology
- Calcium Metabolism
- Control of Appetite
- Diabetes Mellitus
- HPA and Growth Hormone (HPA: the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, the link between the nervous and endocrine systems; not the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which shares the abbreviation)
- Pituitary Disorders
- The Adrenal Glands and Adrenal Disorders
- The Endocrine Pancreas
- The Thyroid Gland
OSCE
- Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
- Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
- Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
- Acromegaly OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Endocrinology, Metabolism
Brain, mind and senses
53 articles
The nervous system from neurone to cortex, the head and neck and special senses (vision, hearing, balance, smell and taste), and common neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Arterial Supply to the Brain
- Auditory and Vestibular Systems
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
- Delirium
- Dementia
- Development of the Nervous System
- Headaches
- Higher Cortical Function
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- Mood Disorders
- Motor System
- Movement Disorders
- Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
- Psychosis
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
- Reticular Formation
- Somatosensory System
- Stroke
- Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
- The Cerebellum: Circuits, Coordination and Clinical Signs
- The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
- Visual System
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)
Pharmacology
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
OSCE
- Cranial Nerve OSCE Examination
- Cerebellar OSCE Examination
- Eye and Vision OSCE Examination
- Ear, Otoscopy and Hearing OSCE Examination
- Neck Lump OSCE Examination
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck
Bones, joints and muscles
46 articles
The skeleton, joints, muscles and limb nerves, learnt with the injuries and arthritis you meet in 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
From other subjects
Reproduction, pregnancy and childhood
32 articles
Reproductive anatomy and hormones, pregnancy and birth, breast disease, and the growth and conditions of childhood.
Reproductive System
- 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
Embryology
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Breast OSCE Examination
- Testicular OSCE Examination
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology, Patient-Centred Care
Medicines and prescribing
28 articles
How drugs are absorbed, act and are cleared (removed from the body), and how to prescribe safely. Drug classes by system are covered in the units above.
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
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Safe Prescribing
Year 1, Transition block
End of Year 1 examsTransition to Year 2
18 articles
The closing block of Year 1. These articles revisit acute illness and safe prescribing.
Cardiovascular System
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
- Sepsis
- Respiratory Failure
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Hyponatraemia
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
- Poisoning and STOPP/START
- Safe Prescribing
- Patient Safety and Quality Control
- Delirium
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
- Venepuncture and Blood Cultures OSCE Guide
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Infection, Pharmacology, Patient-Centred Care
Throughout Year 1
Clinical skills and simulation Years 1 to 4
50 articles
You practise communication, examination and procedures, including in simulation.
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
Population health and professionalism Years 1 to 4
11 articles
Public health, evidence and professional behaviour. These articles cover study design, health beliefs and safe care.
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
- Patient Safety and Quality Control
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
How Chester assesses Year 1
- Year 1 is one 120-credit module, Foundations of Science and Medicine: five blocks of five weeks, then a transition to Year 2 block. Our nine units under Blocks 1 to 5 are our own grouping of topics, not Chester's block titles. Chester describes the assessments across the whole course as written and practical, including workplace-based evaluations (assessments of your skills as you work with patients).
- Chester's public pages name no Year 1 papers, so the exam label here (End of Year 1 exams) is our own generic wording, not a Chester paper name. The official names, formats and dates are in Chester's own course materials, so always check those.
- Chester runs a four-year graduate-entry MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). Its UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, the UK university application service) course code is A101. Graduate-entry means the course is open to people who already hold a degree. Case-based learning (small-group work on patient cases) runs through all four years. Year 1 teaching also uses lectures, practical sessions and simulation (practising clinical skills in a mock clinical setting, for example with simulated patients).
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 years are clinical, with placements in hospitals and general practice.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, the University of Chester or Chester Medical School. Chester does not publish its block contents, so the unit names and the article mapping are our own grouping. Always check your official course materials. Last updated November 2026.
