Lincoln Medical School Years 1 and 2 Cheat Sheet
Every case block of Lincoln's first two years, semester by semester, from the foundational cases to multimorbidity, with the SimpleMed articles that cover them. Find your block, open the articles, revise.
- 4 semesters
- 14 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by University of Lincoln Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Semester A
Formative ROGO examsFoundational cases
61 articles
Four weeks of cases that set up the core science before the system blocks. Lincoln publishes no topic list, so these topics are ours: cells, DNA, tissues, basic disease, infection, immunity and drugs.
Cells, DNA and proteins
- Introduction to the Cell
- Biological Membranes
- Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
- Structure of Proteins
- Enzymes and Regulation of Protein Function
- Protein Targeting
- Post-translational Modification and Collagen Biosynthesis
- Introduction to DNA
- Gene Expression
- Introduction to Gene Mutation
- Genotype, Phenotype, and Inheritance
- Mitosis and Meiosis
- The Cell Cycle, Checkpoints and Apoptosis
- Molecular Techniques for Medics
- Protein Function in Oxygen Transport
Tissues and the language of anatomy
- Anatomical Terms
- How to Read a Histology Slide
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- Connective Tissue
- Basics of Embryology
The basics of disease
- Basics of Pathology
- An Introduction to Pathology
- Cellular Adaptations
- Acute Inflammation
- Chronic Inflammation
- Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
- The Lymphatic System
- Oxidative Stress
Infection and 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
- Gram-negative Bacteria: Structure, Entry Routes and Endotoxin
- The Organisms Gram Staining Misses
- Principles of Medical Virology
- Fungi and Parasites: The Eukaryotic Pathogens
- Biofilms
- Antibiotics
- Antibiotics
- Antivirals
- Travel-related Infections
- Food Allergy
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immunological Therapies
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
- Innate Immunity
- Adaptive Immunity
- The Immunocompromised Host
Drugs and how they work
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacodynamics
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Infection, Immunology
Cardiovascular system cases
39 articles
Normal function and common presentations of heart and vessel disease, plus blood and clotting problems and the cardiovascular examination.
Heart and circulation: normal function
- 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
Heart and vessel disease
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Artery and Vein Disease
- Cardiovascular Drugs
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Electrocardiogram Pathology
- Electrocardiograms
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Heart Failure
- Hypertension
- Murmurs
- Atherosclerosis
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
Blood and clotting
- 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
- Haemostasis and Clotting
- Thrombosis and Embolism
Examination
- Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
- Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
- Varicose Vein OSCE Examination
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) OSCE Examination
- Lymphoreticular OSCE Examination
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Haematology
Respiratory system cases
18 articles
How we breathe and exchange gases, how lung function is tested, and the common airway, infective and malignant lung diseases.
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
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
Examination
Year 1, Semester B
End of Year 1 examsGastrointestinal system cases
37 articles
The gut, liver, gallbladder and pancreas, how food is digested and absorbed, and the nutrition and energy metabolism that follow.
Gut, liver and pancreas
- 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
- Hepatitis
- Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
- Antiemetics and Laxatives
Nutrition and energy 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
Examination
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Metabolism
Reproductive system cases
31 articles
Male and female reproductive anatomy, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and birth, with development, inheritance and sexual health.
Reproductive system and pregnancy
- 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
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
Development and inheritance
- Basics of Embryology
- Teratology and Congenital Malformations
- Genetic Testing and Counselling
- Epigenetics, Genomic Imprinting and Mitochondrial Inheritance
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Congenital Heart Defects
Sexual health and infection
Examination
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology, Genetics
Endocrine system cases
16 articles
The hormones that control growth, metabolism and fluid balance, and the commonest endocrine disorders, diabetes above all.
Endocrine system
- 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
- Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
- Temperature Regulation
- Pharmacology of Insulin
Examination
- Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
- Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
- Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
- Acromegaly OSCE Examination
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Endocrinology, Metabolism
Year 2, Semester A
Formative ROGO examsRenal and urinary system cases
26 articles
How the kidneys filter blood and balance water, salts and acid, and the diseases of the kidneys, bladder and prostate.
Kidneys, bladder and urinary tract
- 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
- Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
Fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance
- Chemical Control of Breathing and Plasma pH
- Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
- Hypertension
- Haemodynamic Shock
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Urinary System, Pharmacology
Central nervous system cases
32 articles
The brain, spinal cord and nerves, the pathways for movement and sensation, and the common neurological conditions from stroke to epilepsy.
Brain, spinal cord and nerves
- 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
- Membrane Potentials
- Action Potentials
- Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
Neurological disease
- Stroke
- Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
- Headaches
- Movement Disorders
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- Dementia
- Delirium
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Opioids
- Anaesthetics
Examination
- Cranial Nerve OSCE Examination
- Upper Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Lower Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Cerebellar OSCE Examination
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Pharmacology
Head and neck cases
26 articles
The skull, face, neck, eyes, ears, nose and throat in their clinical context, with some ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions.
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)
Examination
Year 2, Semester B
End of Year 2 examsMusculoskeletal system cases
49 articles
The bones, joints, muscles and nerves of the limbs and spine, learnt through the injuries and conditions that bring patients to clinic.
Bone, joint and muscle
- 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
- Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
Inflammatory and immune joint disease
Examination
Multimorbidity, frailty and end-of-life cases
19 articles
The final cases cover older people with several long-term conditions (multimorbidity) and frailty (less physical reserve, so a greater risk from illness). They also cover falls and confusion, safe prescribing and care at the end of life. Prescribing topics include STOPP/START (checklists for stopping or starting medicines in older people) and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Ageing, frailty and falls
Many conditions, many medicines
- Safe Prescribing
- Poisoning and STOPP/START
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- NSAIDs
- Diuretics
- Haematology in Systemic Disease
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
Living well with long-term conditions
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Patient-Centred Care, Pharmacology
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Professional Skills
49 articles
Runs through both years. You learn to take a history, examine each body system and communicate well, practising in clinical skills sessions.
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 acutely unwell patient
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: OSCE, Patient-Centred Care
Professional Values and Behaviour
16 articles
Ethics, safety, prevention and professional conduct, and how health is shaped by people's lives and by the wider population. The articles also cover reading research.
Population health and prevention
- Introduction to Population Science
- Epidemiological Studies
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Health Economics
- Population and Social Science Summary
- Child Immunisations
Ethics, safety and safeguarding
Caring for people across the life course
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
Cancer, imaging, dermatology and mental health
23 articles
Lincoln threads these four subjects through the cases rather than teaching them as separate blocks. Use this section to revise each one in one place.
Cancer
- Introduction to Neoplasia
- Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
- Behaviour of Neoplasms
- DNA Repair and Cancer
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Lung Cancer
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy
- Malignant Breast Disease
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
- Urological Malignancy
- Prostate Pathology
- Head and Neck Cancers
- When Haematopoiesis Goes Wrong
Imaging
Dermatology
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Rash and Non-Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
Mental health
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Psychosis
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Delirium
- Dementia
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Pathology, Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
How Lincoln assesses Years 1 and 2
- Each year is delivered and assessed through three common modules: Professional Values and Behaviour, Professional Knowledge and Professional Skills. Teaching is case-based, with cases grouped into body-system blocks, which is how this page is organised.
- Knowledge is tested on ROGO, the university's e-assessment platform. Formative exams (practice exams that do not count towards your grades) run about every six weeks in Years 1 and 2. Summative exams (the ones that count towards your grades) come at the end of each year.
- Two practical exams test practical skills: an objective structured practical examination (OSPE), which covers anatomy, histology (tissues under the microscope), drug calculations, blood results and prescribing, and an OSCE, which covers the examinations and skills from clinical skills sessions.
- Lincoln 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 (multiple choice with one correct option) 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
Placements in general practices and hospitals start in Year 1. From Year 3, learning is largely clinical, built around placement blocks, with regular teaching days on campus.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Lincoln Medical School or the University of Lincoln. Lincoln publishes the body systems taught in each semester but no unit list. The case blocks follow its published system order. The grouping of topics within them is our own, so always check your official course materials. Last updated October 2026.
