Manchester Medical School Years 1 and 2 Cheat Sheet
Every module of Manchester's first two years, semester by semester, from Life Cycle to Nutrition, Metabolism and Excretion, with the SimpleMed articles that cover them. Find your module, open the articles, revise.
- 4 semesters
- 7 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by University of Manchester Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Semester 1
Semester 1 TestLife Cycle
98 articles
The cellular and molecular basis of reproduction, development and growth, plus the immune system and the biology of genetic disease and cancer. Manchester publishes no topic list, so we have added infection and drug basics.
Cells and molecules
- 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
Genetics and inherited disease
- 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
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Haemoglobinopathies
- Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis
Reproduction
- 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
Tissues
Development and growth
- Basics of Embryology
- Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
- Teratology and Congenital Malformations
- Development of the Nervous System
Immune system
- Food Allergy
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immunological Therapies
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
- Innate Immunity
- Adaptive Immunity
- The Lymphatic System
- The Immunocompromised Host
- Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
Cancer
Disease basics and infection
- Basics of Pathology
- An Introduction to Pathology
- How to Read a Histology Slide
- Cellular Adaptations
- Acute Inflammation
- Chronic Inflammation
- Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
- 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
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis
- Sepsis
- Travel-related Infections
Drugs: first principles
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Reproductive System, Embryology, Immunology
Year 1, Semester 2
Semester 2 TestCardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF)
58 articles
The chest and the function of the heart, lungs and blood. Our articles also cover the common diseases and drugs that affect them.
Heart and circulation
- 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
Lungs and breathing
- 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
Blood
- 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
- Atherosclerosis
Drugs for the heart, lungs and clotting
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- NSAIDs
Examination
- Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
- Respiratory System OSCE Examination
- Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
- Varicose Vein OSCE Examination
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) OSCE Examination
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Haematology
Year 2, Semester 3
Semester 3 TestMind and Movement
108 articles
The brain and peripheral nervous system, cognition (thinking, memory and understanding) and mental health. The public description stops at mental health. We have added articles on the musculoskeletal system and on the head and neck, because that anatomy most likely belongs in this module.
Brain and nerves
- 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)
Bones, joints and muscles
- 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
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Drugs for the nervous system
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Opioids
- Anaesthetics
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
Examination
- Cranial Nerve OSCE Examination
- Upper Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Lower Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Cerebellar 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
- 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, Musculoskeletal System, Head and Neck
Year 2, Semester 4
Semester 4 TestNutrition, Metabolism and Excretion (N&M)
72 articles
The gastrointestinal system, the kidneys and the hormones that regulate them, with metabolism and nutrition. The course page on the University website calls this module Nutrition, Metabolism and Excretion. The programme handbook for the medical degree (MBChB) calls it Nutrition and Metabolism.
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
Kidneys 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
Hormones
- 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 and nutrition
- 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
Drugs
- Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
- Antiemetics and Laxatives
- Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology of Insulin
Examination
- Abdominal OSCE Examination
- Rectal (PR) OSCE Examination
- Stoma OSCE Examination
- Hernia OSCE Examination
- Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
- Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
- Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
- Acromegaly OSCE Examination
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System, Endocrinology, Metabolism
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Early Clinical Experience and consultation skills
48 articles
Runs across both years. You learn history taking, examination and procedures.
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
Evidence Based Medicine (EBM)
5 articles
Reading and producing research.
Population and Social Science
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Epidemiological Studies
- Introduction to Population Science
From other subjects
Practice Population and Social Science questions on SimpleMed+
Behavioural and social sciences
14 articles
How beliefs, behaviour, ageing and social circumstances shape health and care, examined alongside the biosciences in the Semester Tests.
Population and Social Science
- Models of Health
- Beliefs of the Public
- Health Economics
- Patient Safety and Quality Control
- Population and Social Science Summary
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
How Manchester assesses Years 1 and 2
- Each semester has a Semester Test: 125 single best answer questions (multiple choice, with one correct answer to pick from five options) in 2.5 hours, sat in January and May. It covers that semester's module, so each of the four semester sections above leads to one test.
- The Clinical Competency Assessment (CCA) is an OSCE-style exam on the skills and knowledge covered so far, with stations on anatomy, practical skills, examinations and consultations.
- The assessments also include a Progress Test (single best answer questions on core knowledge from across the whole programme, to track how your knowledge grows) and Personal Excellence Path (PEP) work: a group scientific poster in Year 1 and a written literature review in Year 2.
- The University of Manchester 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
From Year 3 the course moves onto clinical placements.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, the University of Manchester Medical School or the University of Manchester. Module names follow the published programme; Manchester does not publish topic lists, so the grouping of articles inside each module is ours. Some articles sit in more than one unit, so the unit counts add up to more than the 356 in the total. Always check your official course materials. Last updated October 2026.
