Edinburgh Medical School Pre-clinical Cheat Sheet
Edinburgh's pre-clinical years (Whole Body Health 1 and 2), theme by theme, with the SimpleMed articles that cover them. Find your theme, open the articles, revise.
- 2 years
- 11 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by Edinburgh Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Full year
Knowledge TestBody in Motion
59 articles
Bones, joints, muscles and the nerves that drive them, with the energy systems that fuel movement.
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
Metabolism
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
- Spine OSCE Examination
From other subjects
- Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
- Basics of Embryology
- Motor System
- The Cerebellum: Circuits, Coordination and Clinical Signs
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- NSAIDs
- Opioids
- Calcium Metabolism
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Metabolism
Sustaining Life
72 articles
The circulation, breathing and blood that keep tissues supplied, and the cell machinery behind transport and signalling.
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
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
- Post-translational Modification and Collagen Biosynthesis
- Protein Function in Oxygen Transport
- Protein Targeting
- Structure of Proteins
- The Cell Cycle, Checkpoints and Apoptosis
Pharmacology
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
OSCE
- Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
- Respiratory System OSCE Examination
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
- Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
- Varicose Vein OSCE Examination
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Haematology, Cell Physiology and Biology
Integrity
61 articles
How the body protects itself: barriers, immunity, infection, inflammation, repair, genetics and cancer.
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
- 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
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
Pharmacology
- Antibiotics
- Antivirals
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacodynamics
OSCE
- Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Rash and Non-Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Lymphoreticular OSCE Examination
From other subjects
- Molecular Techniques for Medics
- Child Immunisations
- Teratology and Congenital Malformations
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Infection, Immunology, Pathology, Genetics
Year 2, Full year
Knowledge Test, OSCECommand and Control
78 articles
The nervous and endocrine systems that coordinate the body, plus the brain, senses, mental health and the head and neck.
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)
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
Cell Physiology and Biology
- Action Potentials
- Membrane Potentials
- Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
Pharmacology
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Pharmacology of Insulin
OSCE
- 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
- Neck Lump OSCE Examination
- Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
- Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
- Acromegaly OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck, Endocrinology
Transitions
38 articles
Life's changes: conception, pregnancy, birth, childhood, puberty, the menopause and ageing, with the conditions of each stage.
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
- Poisoning and STOPP/START
- Congenital Heart Defects
- HPA and Growth Hormone
- Breast OSCE Examination
- Testicular OSCE Examination
- Urinary Incontinence
- Blood Groups, Crossmatching and Transfusion Reactions
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology, Patient-Centred Care
Renal and Urology
24 articles
How the kidneys filter blood and control fluid, salts 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
Nutrition and Digestion
41 articles
The gut, liver and pancreas, how food is digested, absorbed and metabolised, and the diseases of each.
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
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
OSCE
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Metabolism
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Socio-ethical Aspects of Medicine (SEAM)
10 articles
Social causes and experience of illness, ethics, public health, new technologies and the doctor-patient relationship.
Population and Social Science
- Models of Health
- Beliefs of the Public
- Introduction to Population Science
- Health Economics
- Patient Safety and Quality Control
- Population and Social Science Summary
Patient-Centred Care
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
Research and Evidence Based Medicine (REBM)
6 articles
You learn to read data, appraise studies and reason with statistics.
Population and Social Science
From other subjects
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- Molecular Techniques for Medics
Practice Population and Social Science questions on SimpleMed+
Knowledge to Clinical Practice (KCP)
16 articles
Links biomedicine, SEAM and REBM to how patients present. These articles cover common acute presentations.
Cardiovascular System
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Electrocardiograms
- Electrocardiogram Pathology
- Murmurs
- Pulses and Pressures
Pharmacology
From other subjects
- Sepsis
- Respiratory Failure
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Hyponatraemia
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
- Stroke
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Patient-Centred Care, Pharmacology
Professional and Clinical Skills
50 articles
Communication, wellbeing and clinical skills. The examination guides below support the clinical skills part.
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
How Edinburgh assesses the pre-clinical years
- Each year is one course: Whole Body Health 1 and Whole Body Health 2. Year 1 is weighted 50% Knowledge Test, 15% Anatomy Spot Test and 35% coursework. The Anatomy Spot Test is a practical anatomy exam held in the Anatomy Teaching Lab.
- The Knowledge Test carries the largest share of the mark: half (50%) in both years. It is sat on a computer and has single best answer questions (multiple-choice questions with one correct answer) and very short answer questions. Year 1 also has a Progress Test (a 100-minute paper) in December and another in March, then two Knowledge Test papers in April or May.
- Year 2 adds a clinical examination (OSCE) worth 10%, and keeps the Knowledge Test (50%) and Anatomy Spot Test (15%). The OSCE is a practical exam of clinical skills.
- Year 1 coursework is three SEAM essays (30%, with at least two passed) and a Student Selected Component (5%), which is a poster and scientific abstract made through group work. Year 2 coursework is a SEAM group project (15%) and REBM assessments (10%). Professionalism must also be passed: it covers your Group Based Learning feedback, attendance, engagement and professional behaviour.
- Edinburgh 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
Year 3 is the intercalated BMedSci year: an Honours year in one of the programmes on offer, which leads to a Bachelor of Medical Sciences degree. Years 4 to 6 are the clinical years, in hospitals and general practices (GP surgeries).
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Edinburgh Medical School or the University of Edinburgh. Course and theme names follow the 2026/27 course catalogue; Edinburgh does not list the systems in each theme, so the article placement is our own reading. Some articles sit under more than one unit, so the unit counts add up to more than the 356 total. Last updated October 2026.
