North Wales Medical School Years 1 and 2 Cheat Sheet
Years 1 and 2 at North Wales Medical School, grouped by topic, with the SimpleMed articles that cover each one. Find your topic, open the articles, revise.
- 2 years
- 16 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by North Wales Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Full year
Year 1 examsFoundation sciences
48 articles
The core science: cells, proteins, genes, tissues, early development and the basic processes of disease, plus how drugs act.
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
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
- The Lymphatic System
- Thrombosis and Embolism
Pharmacology
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Pathology, Pharmacology
Infection and immunity
29 articles
The microbes that cause disease, how the immune system responds, and how infection is investigated and treated.
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
Immunology
- Food Allergy
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immunological Therapies
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Infection, Immunology
Heart, lungs and circulation
44 articles
How the heart, vessels and lungs work, what goes wrong, and the drugs used.
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
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
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
OSCE
- 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, Pharmacology
Muscles, bones and injury
50 articles
The anatomy of the limbs and spine, and the common injuries and inflammatory conditions.
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
OSCE
- Ankle and Foot OSCE Examination
- Elbow OSCE Examination
- GALS Screening OSCE Examination
- Hand and Wrist OSCE Examination
- Hip OSCE Examination
- Knee OSCE Examination
- Shoulder OSCE Examination
- Spine OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Gut, liver and nutrition
37 articles
The digestive tract, liver and pancreas, how food is absorbed and used, and common digestive disease.
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
OSCE
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Metabolism
Hormones and diabetes
15 articles
How the hormone glands keep the body in balance, with a focus on diabetes, then thyroid, adrenal, pituitary and calcium disorders.
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
OSCE
- Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
- Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
- Acromegaly OSCE Examination
- Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Endocrinology, Metabolism
Mind, behaviour and mental health
12 articles
Mental health and the psychology of illness: mood, anxiety and psychosis, how people see health, and the drugs used in psychiatry.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Psychosis
- Dementia
- Delirium
- The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
- Higher Cortical Function
From other subjects
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Beliefs of the Public
- Models of Health
- Alcohol Metabolism
- Lifestyle Medicine
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Population and Social Science
Health and society
15 articles
Population health and the social side of every case: how disease is measured, inequality, prevention, safety and evidence.
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
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
Year 2, Full year
Progress testsKidneys and urinary system
23 articles
How the kidneys filter blood and balance fluids and salts, and the diseases of the kidneys, bladder and prostate.
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
From other subjects
Reproduction, pregnancy and children
31 articles
The reproductive system, pregnancy and birth, then growth and illness in childhood, with safeguarding and immunisation.
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
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
- Teratology and Congenital Malformations
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Breast OSCE Examination
- Testicular OSCE Examination
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Genetic Testing and Counselling
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology, Patient-Centred Care
Brain, nerves and senses
40 articles
How the brain, spinal cord and cranial nerves work, the neurological conditions that follow, and the eye and ear.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Arterial Supply to the Brain
- Auditory and Vestibular Systems
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
- Development of the Nervous System
- Headaches
- Higher Cortical Function
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- Motor System
- Movement Disorders
- Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
- 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
- The Meninges
- The Eye
- Anatomy of the Ear
- Cranial Nerves I-VI
- Cranial Nerves VII-XII
- Blood Supply to the Head and Neck
- Autonomics of the Head and Neck
Pharmacology
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
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck, Pharmacology
Head, neck and skin
25 articles
The skull, face, mouth, nose, throat and neck, neck lumps and head and neck cancer, with the skin and its lesions.
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)
OSCE
- Nasal OSCE Examination
- Neck Lump OSCE Examination
- Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
- Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Rash and Non-Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Blood and cancer
21 articles
How blood is made and goes wrong, then cancer biology, screening, spread and treatment.
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
Pathology
From other subjects
- DNA Repair and Cancer
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Lung Cancer
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy
- Malignant Breast Disease
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
- Head and Neck Cancers
- Lymphoreticular OSCE Examination
- Palliative Care
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Haematology, Pathology, Genetics
Drugs and prescribing
28 articles
Drug classes system by system and how to prescribe safely, including interactions, adverse effects and poisoning.
Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- Anaesthetics
- Antibiotics
- Antiemetics and Laxatives
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Antivirals
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
- Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- NSAIDs
- Opioids
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
- Pharmacology of Insulin
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- Poisoning and STOPP/START
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Safe Prescribing
Community, rural and population health
14 articles
Care outside hospital: long-term conditions, ageing, community services, and the evidence behind public health.
Patient-Centred Care
Population and Social Science
- Health Economics
- Patient Safety and Quality Control
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Epidemiological Studies
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Population and Social Science Summary
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Clinical and communication skills
50 articles
Clinical skills, communication and professionalism from the first year, including history taking and examination. The guides below are grouped by body system.
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
How North Wales assesses Phase 1
- Assessment is non-modular (subjects are not examined separately), so one question can cover several subjects. You are also assessed through reflective writing, essays and logs of the clinical skills you have completed.
- In Years 2 and 3 you sit progress tests (written exams that check how your knowledge is building up) three times a year.
- The school publishes no unit list or Year 1 exam name. "Year 1 exams" is our label.
- North Wales 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 learning starts early, with patient contact and placements from Year 1. In Year 3 you spend the full year embedded in a local community and GP practice (a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship, or LIC), following patients through primary and secondary care.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, North Wales Medical School or Bangor University. The school teaches through case-based learning, where small groups work through a case study or scenario together. It publishes no unit list, so the unit names, the year each system falls in, and the article mapping are our own grouping. Always check your official course materials. Last updated October 2026.
