Glasgow Medical School Years 1 and 2 Cheat Sheet
Glasgow's MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) Years 1 and 2, from Phases 1 and 2 to the Year 2 systems blocks, with the SimpleMed articles that cover each. Systems blocks teach one body system or theme at a time. MB1 and MB2 are the Year 1 and Year 2 written exams. Some articles appear in more than one unit. Find your block, open the articles, revise.
- 3 periods
- 12 units
- 356 different SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by University of Glasgow School of Medicine. About this page
Year 1, Phase 1
MB1 written paperCells, molecules and metabolism
50 articles
How cells are organised, how proteins, DNA and enzymes work and how energy is made and stored.
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
Pathology
- How to Read a Histology Slide
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- Basics of Pathology
- An Introduction to Pathology
- Cellular Adaptations
Musculoskeletal System
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
Genetics
- Gene Expression
- Mitosis and Meiosis
- Genotype, Phenotype, and Inheritance
- Introduction to Gene Mutation
- DNA Repair and Cancer
- Epigenetics, Genomic Imprinting and Mitochondrial Inheritance
- Genetic Testing and Counselling
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Metabolism, Genetics
Anatomy core: a tour of the body systems
26 articles
A broad first look at each body system, so the later systems blocks have something to build on.
Musculoskeletal System
- Anatomical Terms
- Basics of Bone Anatomy
- Bones of the Upper Limb
- Bones of the Lower Limb
- Joints
- Muscles in Action
- The Spine
- Key Areas of the Upper Limb
- Key Areas of the Lower Limb
- Dermatomes and Myotomes
Gastrointestinal System
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Foregut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Midgut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Hindgut
- Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Canal
Reproductive System
Head and Neck
From other subjects
- Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
- Anatomy of the Respiratory System
- Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Basics of Embryology
- The Lymphatic System
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Embryology
Inflammation and immunity
24 articles
Acute and chronic inflammation, repair, innate and adaptive immunity and a first look at infection.
Pathology
- Acute Inflammation
- Chronic Inflammation
- Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
- Haemostasis and Clotting
- Thrombosis and Embolism
Infection
- Innate Immunity
- Adaptive Immunity
- An Introduction to Infection
- The Infection Model
- Bacterial Structure, Classification and Growth
- Gram Staining and Infection Investigations
- Streptococci
- Staphylococci and Other Gram-positive Bacteria
- Principles of Medical Virology
- Sepsis
- Antibiotics
Immunology
- Food Allergy
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immunological Therapies
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Pathology, Immunology, Infection
Year 1, Phase 2
MB1 written paperHealth in Communities
22 articles
Health at the level of people and populations: how disease is measured, how beliefs and circumstances shape health and how care is kept safe.
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
Patient-Centred Care
- Ageing
- Child Immunisations
- Child Safeguarding
- Falls
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Men's Health
- Palliative Care
- Sepsis in Paediatrics
Infection
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
Homeostatic Mechanisms
20 articles
How the body keeps its internal conditions steady: fluid and salt balance, acid and base, temperature, blood pressure and hormonal control.
Cell Physiology and Biology
- Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
- Membrane Potentials
- Action Potentials
- Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
Urinary System
- Control of Plasma Osmolarity
- Control of Plasma Volume
- Control of Potassium
- Hyponatraemia
- Glomerular Filtration Rate and the Measurement of Kidney Function
From other subjects
- Chemical Control of Breathing and Plasma pH
- Temperature Regulation
- Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
- An Introduction to Endocrinology
- Control of Appetite
- Pulses and Pressures
- Control of Cardiac Output
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Endocrinology
Year 2, Systems blocks
MB2 papers 1 to 3Conception, Growth and Development
43 articles
From gametes to adulthood: fertilisation, the placenta, pregnancy and birth, growth, puberty and the genetic and developmental causes of congenital disease.
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
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
- HPA and Growth Hormone
- Calcium Metabolism
- Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Development of the Respiratory System
- Development of the Urinary System
- Development of the Nervous System
- Development of the Head and Neck
- Embryological Development of the CVS
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Child Safeguarding
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology, Genetics
Musculoskeletal and Neurological Systems
87 articles
Bones, joints, muscles, the brain and the nerves, from anatomy and physiology to the common injuries and neurological conditions.
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
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
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck
Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Renal Systems
72 articles
The heart and circulation, the lungs and the kidneys, with the blood that links them: structure, control, tests and common 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
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
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
Pathology
Pharmacology
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
- Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Urinary System, Haematology
Digestion and Metabolism
38 articles
The gut, liver and pancreas, and how nutrients become energy: digestion, absorption, nutrition, diabetes and the common digestive diseases.
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
Pharmacology
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Metabolism
Regulation and Responses
70 articles
Hormonal control and the body's responses to injury, infection and cancer, with the drugs that act on them.
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
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
Pharmacology
- Antibiotics
- Antivirals
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- Poisoning and STOPP/START
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
From other subjects
- Lung Cancer
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
- Malignant Breast Disease
- Head and Neck Cancers
- Urological Malignancy
- Prostate Pathology
- When Haematopoiesis Goes Wrong
- Palliative Care
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Endocrinology, Immunology, Pathology, Pharmacology
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Vocational Studies
13 articles
Glasgow's vocational studies strand. We place the articles on public health, patient safety, palliative care, safeguarding and ageing here.
Population and Social Science
- Models of Health
- Beliefs of the Public
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Patient Safety and Quality Control
- Health Economics
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Patient-Centred Care, Population and Social Science
Clinical Skills
50 articles
Taught from Year 1, from basic life support and observations to venepuncture and ECG recording, then system-by-system examination.
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 Glasgow assesses Years 1 and 2
- Year 1 has a written examination at the end of the year, the MBChB 1 Written Paper (MB1). In 2026-27 the Year 1 examinations week starts on Monday 7 June 2027. Year 1 also has coursework and the Medical Independent Learning Exam (MILE), a test of self-directed learning skills such as finding and judging sources.
- Year 2 has three papers in MB2: Paper 1 in December, then Papers 2 and 3 at the end of the year. In 2026-27 the Year 2 examinations weeks start on Monday 14 December 2026 and Monday 7 June 2027.
- Student Selected Components (SSCs) are blocks of four or five weeks on a topic you choose from a list of options. Your first one is in Year 2.
- Glasgow 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
After Year 2 you move into the clinical years, 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 Glasgow School of Medicine. Glasgow's published Programme Guide uses different block titles from ours. Ours come from its 2011 to 12 curriculum information, so use them as a topic map and check your own course guide. Glasgow is also bringing in a new curriculum: Year 1 moves to it in 2027-28 and all years are on it by 2028-29. The Phase 1 unit titles, groupings and article mapping are our own. Last updated October 2026.
