Keele Medical School Phase 1 Cheat Sheet
Every unit of Keele's Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2), with the SimpleMed articles that cover it. Find your unit, open the articles, revise.
- 2 years
- 19 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by Keele University School of Medicine. About this page
Phase 1, Year 1
Year 1 knowledge testsHealth & Disease
53 articles
The foundation unit: cells, proteins, metabolism, genes, tissues and the basic mechanisms of disease, plus the physiology of excitable cells (cells that make electrical signals, such as nerve cells and heart muscle cells).
Cell Physiology and Biology
- Introduction to the Cell
- Biological Membranes
- Structure of Proteins
- Enzymes and Regulation of Protein Function
- Protein Targeting
- Post-translational Modification and Collagen Biosynthesis
- Introduction to DNA
- The Cell Cycle, Checkpoints and Apoptosis
- Molecular Techniques for Medics
- Protein Function in Oxygen Transport
- Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
- Membrane Potentials
- Action Potentials
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
- Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
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
- 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
Pathology
- How to Read a Histology Slide
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- An Introduction to Pathology
- Basics of Pathology
- Cellular Adaptations
Musculoskeletal System
- Connective Tissue
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Structure of Bones
- Structure of the Muscles
- Anatomical Terms
Cardiovascular System
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Metabolism, Genetics
Immunology and infection
40 articles
How the body defends itself and how microbes get past those defences: the main bacteria, viruses and fungi, allergy, autoimmunity (when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues) and the drugs that treat infection.
Infection
- Innate Immunity
- Adaptive Immunity
- The Immunocompromised Host
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- An Introduction to Infection
- The Infection Model
- Bacterial Structure, Classification and Growth
- Biofilms
- Gram Staining and Infection Investigations
- Streptococci
- Staphylococci and Other Gram-positive Bacteria
- Gram-negative Bacteria: Structure, Entry Routes and Endotoxin
- The Organisms Gram Staining Misses
- Principles of Medical Virology
- Fungi and Parasites: The Eukaryotic Pathogens
- Sepsis
- Hepatitis
- Travel-related Infections
- Antibiotics
Immunology
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
- Food Allergy
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Immunological Therapies
Pharmacology
From other subjects
- The Lymphatic System
- Blood Groups, Crossmatching and Transfusion Reactions
- Tuberculosis
- Pneumonia and other Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- Gastroenteritis and Enterocolitis
- Infections of the Reproductive Tract
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Child Immunisations
- Sepsis in Paediatrics
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Immunology, Infection
Emergencies
25 articles
Recognising and managing the sick patient: shock, sepsis, chest pain, breathlessness, poisoning and acute abdomen (sudden abdominal pain that may need urgent assessment). The articles cover the mechanisms behind each.
Cardiovascular System
Pharmacology
Respiratory System
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
From other subjects
- Sepsis
- Sepsis in Paediatrics
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Hyponatraemia
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
- Thrombosis and Embolism
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
- Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System
Life Course
22 articles
Human development from conception to old age: growth, puberty, ageing and the end of life, with what changes for children and older people.
Embryology
Reproductive System
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
- Embryological Development of the CVS
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Development of the Respiratory System
- Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Development of the Urinary System
- Development of the Head and Neck
- Development of the Nervous System
- Dementia
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Epigenetics, Genomic Imprinting and Mitochondrial Inheritance
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Embryology, Patient-Centred Care
Brain & Mind
33 articles
How the nervous system is built and works, and how that links to behaviour, mood and thought: neuroanatomy, the senses and the main psychiatric and neurological conditions.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
- Development of the Nervous System
- Arterial Supply to the Brain
- Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
- Somatosensory System
- Motor System
- The Cerebellum: Circuits, Coordination and Clinical Signs
- Reticular Formation
- The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
- Higher Cortical Function
- Visual System
- Auditory and Vestibular Systems
- Dementia
- Delirium
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Psychosis
- Stroke
- Headaches
- Movement Disorders
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
Head and Neck
Pharmacology
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
Cell Physiology and Biology
Practice Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry questions on SimpleMed+
Pregnancy
26 articles
Reproduction from gametes to birth: the reproductive tracts, the menstrual cycle, conception, the placenta, labour and the weeks after.
Reproductive System
- Anatomy of the Woman
- Anatomy of the Man
- The Pelvic Floor
- Development of the Reproductive System
- Gametogenesis
- Puberty
- The Menstrual Cycle and Menstrual Abnormalities
- Sex, Infertility and Contraception
- The Placenta
- Physiology of the Mother
- Physiology of the Fetus
- Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
- Labour and Delivery
- The Postpartum Period
- Introduction to the Breast
- Benign Conditions of the Breast
- Malignant Breast Disease
- The Menopause
- Infections of the Reproductive Tract
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
From other subjects
- Teratology and Congenital Malformations
- Basics of Embryology
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Breast OSCE Examination
- Testicular OSCE Examination
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology
Lifestyle
28 articles
How diet, weight, alcohol, activity and social context shape health, with the hormones and organs involved: diabetes, obesity, liver disease and prevention.
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
- Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
- Temperature Regulation
- Nutrition, Diet and Body Weight
- Dietary Energy Production
- Alcohol Metabolism
- Vitamins, Cofactors, Minerals and Trace Elements
Population and Social Science
From other subjects
- Pharmacology of Insulin
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Men's Health
- Hypertension
- Atherosclerosis
- Gastrointestinal Secretion, Digestion and Absorption
- Liver, Biliary and Exocrine Pancreatic Physiology
- Hepatitis
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Endocrinology, Metabolism, Patient-Centred Care
Scholarship
9 articles
Finding, reading and weighing evidence for the Academic Mini Review (a library-based review of an academic topic, done with staff supervision): study design, statistics and appraisal.
Population and Social Science
- Introduction to Population Science
- Epidemiological Studies
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Population and Social Science Summary
- Health Economics
From other subjects
Practice Population and Social Science questions on SimpleMed+
Phase 1, Year 2
Year 2 tests and OSCEsMechanism of Disease
32 articles
The processes behind most illness: injury, inflammation, repair, clotting, tumour growth and abnormal immunity, plus the principles of pharmacology and the genetics of cancer.
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
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacodynamics
- Safe Prescribing
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- Poisoning and STOPP/START
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
From other subjects
- DNA Repair and Cancer
- Introduction to Gene Mutation
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Oxidative Stress
- When Haematopoiesis Goes Wrong
- Head and Neck Cancers
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Pathology, Pharmacology
Inputs & Outputs
52 articles
What goes in and what comes out: the gut, liver, pancreas and kidneys, plus the nutrition and fluid balance that link them.
Gastrointestinal System
- Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Foregut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Midgut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Hindgut
- 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
- Intestinal Pathology
- Distal Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
- Hepatic, Biliary and Pancreatic Pathology
- Gastroenteritis and Enterocolitis
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
Metabolism
Pharmacology
- Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
- Antiemetics and Laxatives
- Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology of Insulin
Urinary System
- Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
- Development of the Urinary System
- The Nephron
- Glomerular Filtration Rate and the Measurement of Kidney Function
- The Glomerulus: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
- Control of Plasma Osmolarity
- Control of Plasma Volume
- Control of Potassium
- Micturition
- Hyponatraemia
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Glomerular Disease
- Diabetic Nephropathy
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Urinary Tract Obstruction
- Urinary Incontinence
- Male Urological Conditions
- Prostate Pathology
- Urological Malignancy
- Diuretics
Endocrinology
OSCE
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System
Movement & Trauma
52 articles
Bones, joints, muscles and nerves of the limbs and spine, and what happens when they are injured or inflamed.
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
Pharmacology
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
Circulation
39 articles
The heart, vessels and blood: how they are built, controlled and examined, and how they fail, with blood tests and the drugs used.
Cardiovascular System
- Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
- Embryological Development of the CVS
- The Cardiac Cycle
- Cardiac Conduction and Contraction
- Control of Cardiac Output
- Pulses and Pressures
- Special Circulations
- Electrocardiograms
- Electrocardiogram Pathology
- Murmurs
- Hypertension
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Heart Failure
- Artery and Vein Disease
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Cardiovascular Drugs
Pathology
Pharmacology
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hyperlipidaemias
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
OSCE
- Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
- Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
- Varicose Vein OSCE Examination
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) OSCE Examination
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Haematology
Breath of Life
21 articles
Breathing from airway to alveolus: mechanics, gas exchange and control, then the lung diseases, tests and drugs.
Respiratory System
- Anatomy of the Respiratory System
- Development of the Respiratory System
- Ventilation and Lung Mechanics
- Properties of Gas Exchange
- Carbon Dioxide Transport
- Chemical Control of Breathing and Plasma pH
- Lung Function Testing
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Pneumonia and other Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
- Tuberculosis
- Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis
- Pneumothorax and Pleural Effusion
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Lung Cancer
- Respiratory Failure
From other subjects
Sensory Motor systems
50 articles
The sensory and motor pathways, cranial nerves, the eye and ear, and the clinical signs of damage. The course page calls this unit integrated systems.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
- Development of the Nervous System
- Arterial Supply to the Brain
- Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
- Somatosensory System
- Motor System
- The Cerebellum: Circuits, Coordination and Clinical Signs
- Reticular Formation
- The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
- Higher Cortical Function
- Visual System
- Auditory and Vestibular Systems
- Stroke
- Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
- Headaches
- Movement Disorders
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
Head and Neck
- The Meninges
- Introduction to Head & Neck Anatomy
- The Skull
- Fascial Planes, Muscles and Triangles
- Blood Supply to the Head and Neck
- Autonomics of the Head and Neck
- Cranial Nerves I-VI
- Cranial Nerves VII-XII
- The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
- The Oral Cavity and Pharynx
- The Nose
- The Larynx
- The Eye
- Anatomy of the Ear
- Development of the Head and Neck
- Ear Pathology
- Lymph Nodes and Neck Lumps
- Imaging of the Head and Neck
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
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck
Scholarship
8 articles
Research and evidence skills carried on from Year 1: study design, statistics and critical reading.
Population and Social Science
- Introduction to Population Science
- Epidemiological Studies
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Population and Social Science Summary
From other subjects
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- Genetic Testing and Counselling
Practice Population and Social Science questions on SimpleMed+
Community Partnership Placement
12 articles
A community placement, assessed by portfolio and poster. These articles cover long-term conditions, safety and the care of older and vulnerable people.
Population and Social Science
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Clinical skills and professional skills
40 articles
Skills sessions and OSCE preparation run through both years, with a venepuncture (taking blood from a vein) sign-off in Year 2.
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
Anatomy
58 articles
Anatomy through both years. These articles cover the main body structures, from the limbs and spine to the head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis.
Limbs and spine
- Anatomical Terms
- Basics of Bone Anatomy
- Structure of Bones
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Connective Tissue
- Joints
- Structure of the Muscles
- Muscles in Action
- Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
- Dermatomes and Myotomes
- Bones of the Upper Limb
- Bones of the Hand
- Key Areas of the Upper Limb
- Muscles of the Shoulder
- Muscles of the Upper Arm
- Muscles of the Forearm
- The Brachial Plexus
- Bones of the Lower Limb
- Bones of the Foot
- Key Areas of the Lower Limb
- Muscles of the Gluteal Region
- Muscles of the Thigh
- Muscles of the Lower Leg
- The Lumbar Plexus
- The Sacral Plexus
- The Spine
- Conditions of the Back and Neck
- Conditions of the Lower Back
Head, neck and brain
- Introduction to Head & Neck Anatomy
- The Skull
- Fascial Planes, Muscles and Triangles
- Blood Supply to the Head and Neck
- Autonomics of the Head and Neck
- Cranial Nerves I-VI
- Cranial Nerves VII-XII
- The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
- The Oral Cavity and Pharynx
- The Nose
- The Larynx
- The Eye
- Anatomy of the Ear
- The Meninges
- Development of the Head and Neck
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
- Development of the Nervous System
- Arterial Supply to the Brain
- Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
Chest, abdomen and pelvis
- Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
- Anatomy of the Respiratory System
- Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Canal
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Foregut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Midgut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Hindgut
- Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
- Anatomy of the Woman
- Anatomy of the Man
- The Pelvic Floor
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Head and Neck
Professional values and behaviours
7 articles
The GMC theme running through the course: patient safety, safeguarding, ethics and working with colleagues. These articles cover the knowledge behind safe, caring practice.
Population and Social Science
From other subjects
How Keele assesses Phase 1
- Written knowledge is tested cumulatively in three sittings a year, mixing single best answer questions (multiple choice, with one best option) and short answer questions. Year 1 sits them in January, then March or April, then May. Year 2 sits them in November, January and either May or June.
- Year 2 adds OSCEs: four stations in January and eight in June. Year 2 also needs a venepuncture sign-off.
- Year 1 includes an Academic Mini Review with a short presentation. Year 2 includes a portfolio and poster from the Community Partnership Placement.
- Keele University School of Medicine 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
Phase 2 is the main clinical phase, with immersive placements in hospitals and general practice. Phase 1 already includes placements with community services and general practices.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Keele University School of Medicine or Keele University. Most unit names follow the unit list in Keele's 2026-27 programme specification. Keele's public medicine course page words two of them differently: it has the body's defence systems where the specification has Immunology and infection, and integrated systems where the specification has Sensory Motor systems. Check your own timetable for the exact unit titles. Keele does not publish unit contents, so the topics in each unit and the article mapping are our own. Last updated October 2026.
