Hull York Medical School Phase I Cheat Sheet
HYMS Phase I (Years 1 and 2) is taught through problem-based learning (PBL) cases. This page groups them into six blocks, with six themes that run through both years. Each one lists the SimpleMed articles that cover it.
- 2 years
- 12 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by Hull York Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Opening blocks
Written papersPathology, immunology and cancer
68 articles
How disease starts: cell injury, inflammation, repair, immunity and infection, then how tumours form, spread and are treated.
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
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
Haematology
- Haematopoiesis and the Spleen
- When Haematopoiesis Goes Wrong
- Blood Groups, Crossmatching and Transfusion Reactions
- Haematology in Systemic Disease
From other subjects
- Lymph Nodes and Neck Lumps
- Head and Neck Cancers
- Lung Cancer
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
- Malignant Breast Disease
- Urological Malignancy
- Prostate Pathology
- The Cell Cycle, Checkpoints and Apoptosis
- Molecular Techniques for Medics
- Child Immunisations
- Palliative Care
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Pathology, Immunology, Infection
Respiration, cardiovascular medicine and dermatology
50 articles
The chest and circulation, with the blood that links them, plus the skin: structure, function, common diseases and the drugs used.
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
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
Pharmacology
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
Pathology
Haematology
From other subjects
- Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Rash and Non-Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- The Nose
- The Larynx
- Protein Function in Oxygen Transport
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Respiratory System, Cardiovascular System, Pathology
Gastrointestinal, metabolic and renal medicine
69 articles
Digestion and the liver; how the body handles energy and hormones; and the kidneys and urinary tract, with diabetes as a thread through all three.
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
- 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
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
Pharmacology
- Pharmacology of Insulin
- Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
- Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
- Antiemetics and Laxatives
From other subjects
- Hepatitis
- Iron Metabolism
- Vitamin B12 and Folate
- Enzymes and Regulation of Protein Function
- The Oral Cavity and Pharynx
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Metabolism, Endocrinology, Urinary System
Year 2, Later blocks
Written and clinicalReproduction and child health
44 articles
The reproductive systems, pregnancy and birth, then the health of babies and children, including development, inheritance and childhood illness.
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
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Embryological Development of the CVS
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Development of the Nervous System
- Development of the Respiratory System
- Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Development of the Urinary System
- Development of the Head and Neck
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology, Genetics
Mental health
14 articles
Mood, anxiety, psychosis, dementia and delirium, the brain systems behind them and the drugs used to treat them.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Psychosis
- Dementia
- Delirium
- Higher Cortical Function
- The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
- Reticular Formation
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
From other subjects
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Poisoning and STOPP/START
- Alcohol Metabolism
- Beliefs of the Public
- Models of Health
Practice Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry questions on SimpleMed+
Musculoskeletal, nervous systems, senses and elderly care
94 articles
Bones, joints and muscles; the nervous system; the eyes and ears; and the care of older people, including falls, frailty and palliative care.
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
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck, Patient-Centred Care
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Applied Life Sciences
32 articles
The science theme: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology and pharmacology, explored through the PBL cases.
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
Musculoskeletal System
Pharmacology
Metabolism
- Oxidative Stress
- Energy Reactions in Cells
- Temperature Regulation
- Vitamins, Cofactors, Minerals and Trace Elements
Urinary System
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Pharmacology
Anatomy
29 articles
Anatomy taught alongside the PBL cases. Year 1 has a formative anatomy spotter, an exam where you identify labelled structures on specimens. Formative means a practice assessment that does not count towards your progression.
Musculoskeletal System
- Anatomical Terms
- Basics of Bone Anatomy
- Bones of the Upper Limb
- Bones of the Lower Limb
- Bones of the Hand
- Bones of the Foot
- Joints
- Muscles in Action
- The Spine
- The Brachial Plexus
- The Lumbar Plexus
- The Sacral Plexus
- 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
Head and Neck
- Introduction to Head & Neck Anatomy
- The Skull
- Fascial Planes, Muscles and Triangles
- Imaging of the Head and Neck
- The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
- The Meninges
From other subjects
- Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
- Anatomy of the Respiratory System
- Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Head and Neck
Clinical and Communication Skills
50 articles
Communication, history taking and examination skills.
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
Health and Society
13 articles
Public health, epidemiology and the social side of illness.
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
From other subjects
Practice Population and Social Science questions on SimpleMed+
Professionalism and Ethics
8 articles
Professional behaviour, consent and reflective practice, seen through patient safety, safeguarding and care at the end of life.
Population and Social Science
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Scholarship and Special Interest Programme (SSIP)
6 articles
One SSIP in each year of Phase I, one formative and one summative, building research and scholarship skills.
Population and Social Science
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Epidemiological Studies
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Introduction to Population Science
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Pharmacology
How HYMS assesses Phase I
- Each year has summative written papers (assessments that count towards whether you progress). A Scholarship and Special Interest Programme (SSIP) is assessed in both years.
- Year 2 adds a clinical practical assessment. Formative checks (practice assessments that do not count towards your progression) include an anatomy spotter in Year 1 and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE, a circuit of timed practical stations) or an Objective Structured Long Examination Record (OSLER, a long observed assessment with a patient) in Year 2.
- Formative tests come at the end of each block.
- HYMS 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+ (multiple-choice questions where you pick the one best answer).
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 Phase I you move into the clinical phases, with placements in hospitals and general practice. The Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) is the national exam every UK medical graduate must pass to join the medical register. Its applied knowledge test (a written exam of clinical knowledge) is normally sat in the final year, which is Year 5 at HYMS. A school with written finals in the penultimate year (the year before the last) sits it then, so check your own course materials.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Hull York Medical School or the Universities of Hull and York. Block names come from an earlier HYMS course page, and HYMS no longer publishes their order, so we placed them across the two years ourselves. The article mapping is also ours. Last updated October 2026.
