Kent and Medway Medical School Cheat Sheet
Every module of Years 1 and 2 at Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS), with the SimpleMed articles we have matched to them. Find your module, open the articles, revise.
- 2 years
- 12 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by Kent and Medway Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Systems modules
Year 1 AKTs and OSCEFoundations of Health and Disease
70 articles
The opening module: cells, proteins, genes, tissues, the basic mechanisms of disease and the principles of drug action.
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
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
- Acute Inflammation
- An Introduction to Pathology
- Atherosclerosis
- Basics of Pathology
- Behaviour of Neoplasms
- Cellular Adaptations
- Chronic Inflammation
- Haemostasis and Clotting
- Introduction to Neoplasia
- Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
- Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
- Thrombosis and Embolism
- The Lymphatic System
Musculoskeletal System
- Connective Tissue
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Structure of Bones
- Structure of the Muscles
- Anatomical Terms
Infection
- 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
- Innate Immunity
Pharmacology
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacodynamics
- Safe Prescribing
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- Poisoning and STOPP/START
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Anaesthetics
- Opioids
From other subjects
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
- Basics of Embryology
- Immunological Therapies
- Oxidative Stress
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Pathology
Heart, Lungs, and Blood
56 articles
The cardiovascular, respiratory and blood systems together: structure, control, disease and treatment, including shock (when the tissues do not get enough blood flow), clotting and anaemia.
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
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
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
OSCE
- Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
- Respiratory System OSCE Examination
- Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
- Varicose Vein OSCE Examination
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) OSCE Examination
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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Haematology
Nutrition, Metabolism and Excretion
60 articles
The gut, liver and kidneys with the metabolism and nutrition that link them: digestion, energy, fluid and electrolyte balance, and their common diseases.
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
- 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
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
OSCE
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System, Metabolism
Year 2, Systems modules
Year 2 AKTs and OSCENeuroscience and Behaviour
62 articles
The nervous system from neurone to behaviour: neuroanatomy (the structure of the brain and nerves), the senses, head and neck, and the neurological and psychiatric conditions, with the drugs used in each.
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
- Dementia
- Delirium
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Psychosis
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
- Head and Neck Cancers
- Imaging of the Head and Neck
Pharmacology
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Anaesthetics
- Opioids
Cell Physiology and Biology
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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck
Reproduction and Endocrinology
46 articles
Hormones and reproduction: the endocrine glands and diabetes, then the reproductive tract, conception, pregnancy, birth and the menopause.
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
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
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
- The Menopause
- Infections of the Reproductive Tract
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
- Introduction to the Breast
- Benign Conditions of the Breast
- Malignant Breast Disease
OSCE
- Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
- Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
- Acromegaly OSCE Examination
- Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
- Breast OSCE Examination
- Testicular OSCE Examination
From other subjects
- Pharmacology of Insulin
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Teratology and Congenital Malformations
- Basics of Embryology
- Genetic Testing and Counselling
- Epigenetics, Genomic Imprinting and Mitochondrial Inheritance
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Endocrinology, Reproductive System, Embryology
Musculoskeletal and Immune Systems
82 articles
Bones, joints and muscles of the limbs and spine, and the immune system whose failures drive arthritis, allergy, lupus (an autoimmune disease) and infection, with the related drugs.
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
Infection
- Innate Immunity
- Adaptive Immunity
- The Immunocompromised Host
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Sepsis
- Hepatitis
- Travel-related Infections
- Antibiotics
Pathology
Immunology
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
- Food Allergy
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Immunological Therapies
Pharmacology
OSCE
- Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Rash and Non-Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Lymphoreticular OSCE Examination
- 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
- 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
- Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Immunology, Infection
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Community and Primary Care in Practice 1 Year 1
13 articles
Six primary care placement weeks, with a small group presentation and a quality improvement project (a project on how to improve one aspect of patient care). Read these for the population health and prevention side of each topic below.
Population and Social Science
- Introduction to Population Science
- Epidemiological Studies
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Population and Social Science Summary
- Patient Safety and Quality Control
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Patient-Centred Care, Population and Social Science
Professional Development and Person-Centred Practice 1 Year 1
6 articles
Professional identity, ethics and person-centred care, captured in your ePortfolio (your online record of learning and reflection). These articles cover how people understand illness and how care is kept safe.
Population and Social Science
From other subjects
Skills for Clinical Practice 1 Year 1
13 articles
First clinical and communication skills. The guides below start with an index conditions overview (the core conditions to know for OSCEs), blood pressure measurement and venepuncture (taking blood), then, split by system, cover the cardiovascular, respiratory, abdominal and groin examinations.
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
Community and Primary Care in Practice 2 Year 2
19 articles
Primary care placement weeks, with workplace-based assessments (your skills assessed while you work on placement) and a project on long-term illness. These articles cover chronic disease, older people and community care.
Patient-Centred Care
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
From other subjects
Professional Development and Person-Centred Practice 2 Year 2
7 articles
Continues professional development and person-centred practice in Year 2. These articles cover safety, evidence and prescribing.
Population and Social Science
- Patient Safety and Quality Control
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Health Economics
- Models of Health
- Beliefs of the Public
From other subjects
Skills for Clinical Practice 2 Year 2
27 articles
Further clinical skills. The guides below, split by system, cover the nervous system, joints, endocrine, eyes, ears, nose and neck, skin, breast and lymph nodes.
Browse every examination guide on the SimpleMed OSCE hub
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
How Kent and Medway assesses Years 1 and 2
- Applied Knowledge Tests (AKTs, the written knowledge exams) use single best answer questions (choose the one best option from five) and very-short-answer questions (a brief written answer). Some modules also set essays as coursework. OSCEs test clinical and professional skills.
- OSCEs use sequential testing, a two-part exam. Everyone sits sequence 1, the first part. You sit sequence 2 (further stations) only if your sequence 1 result is not a clear pass. The Year 1 and 2 AKTs in the systems modules are not sequential: they have in-year resits.
- Professional development is assessed through your ePortfolio. In the Community and Primary Care modules, Year 1 adds a small group presentation and a quality improvement project. Year 2 adds workplace-based assessments and a project on long-term illness.
- Kent and Medway Medical School 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
Clinical placements start in your first term, mainly in primary care. From Year 3 you are mostly based in hospitals, with placements in medical and surgical specialties, mental health, primary care and community services.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Kent and Medway Medical School, the University of Kent or Canterbury Christ Church University. Module names follow KMMS's published course structure. KMMS publishes each module's aims but not a topic-by-topic syllabus, so the topics in each module and the article mapping are our own. Last updated October 2026.
