Norwich Medical School Years 1 to 3 Cheat Sheet
Norwich teaches by body system, not pre-clinical and clinical years. Find your module from Module 1 to 3D, open the articles, revise.
- 9 modules
- 13 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by Norwich Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Module 1
End of Year 1 examsFundamental Sciences for Medicine (Module 1)
108 articles
The biological and social science behind all later modules: cells, genes, metabolism, development, immunity, infection, pathology and how drugs work, learnt alongside the musculoskeletal system.
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
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
Embryology
Immunology
- Food Allergy
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immunological Therapies
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
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
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
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- Safe Prescribing
- Poisoning and STOPP/START
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Antibiotics
- Antivirals
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- NSAIDs
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
Reproductive System
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Metabolism, Immunology, Infection, Pathology, Pharmacology
The Musculoskeletal System (Module 1)
41 articles
Bones, joints, muscles and the nerves of the limbs and spine, with orthopaedics (bone and joint surgery) and rheumatology (joint and autoimmune disease) as the clinical focus.
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
From other subjects
Year 2, Module 2A
Module OSCEThe Haematological System (Blood) and Skin (2A)
32 articles
Blood and its disorders, the immune and lymphatic systems and the skin, with the infections and cancers that affect these systems.
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
Immunology
- Food Allergy
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immunological Therapies
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
Pathology
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- The Lymphatic System
- Haemostasis and Clotting
- Introduction to Neoplasia
- Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
- Behaviour of Neoplasms
Infection
- Staphylococci and Other Gram-positive Bacteria
- Streptococci
- Fungi and Parasites: The Eukaryotic Pathogens
- Innate Immunity
- Adaptive Immunity
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- The Immunocompromised Host
Reproductive System
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Haematology, Immunology, Pathology, Infection
Year 2, Module 2B
Module OSCEThe Respiratory System (2B)
17 articles
How we breathe and exchange gases, how lung function is tested, and the 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
From other subjects
Year 2, Module 2C
Module OSCEThe Cardiovascular System (2C)
22 articles
How the heart is built, conducts and pumps, and how output and pressure are controlled. Then the common heart diseases and drugs.
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
Pharmacology
From other subjects
Year 2, Module 2D
End of Year 2 examsThe Vascular System and Stroke (2D)
13 articles
Diseases of arteries and veins, clotting and anticoagulation (drugs that make blood less likely to clot), then stroke and the blood supply to the brain.
Cardiovascular System
Pathology
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
Year 3, Module 3A
Module OSCEThe Digestive System (3A)
23 articles
The gut, liver and pancreas from anatomy to absorption, then the common diseases, emergencies and cancers, with the role of nutrition in health and 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
- Nutrition, Diet and Body Weight
- Vitamins, Cofactors, Minerals and Trace Elements
- Dietary Energy Production
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Metabolism
Year 3, Module 3B
Module OSCEThe Renal and Urological System (3B)
29 articles
How the kidneys filter blood and balance water, salt and acid, then the diseases of the kidney, bladder and prostate, plus the male and female pelvis.
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
Reproductive System
- Anatomy of the Man
- Anatomy of the Woman
- The Pelvic Floor
- Development of the Reproductive System
- Infections of the Reproductive Tract
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Urinary System, Reproductive System
Year 3, Module 3C
Module OSCEThe Neurological System and Vision (3C)
37 articles
The brain and nerves, the eye and visual pathways, then the neurological and psychiatric conditions, and the drugs that treat them.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- 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
- The Eye
- Cranial Nerves I-VI
- Cranial Nerves VII-XII
- The Meninges
- Autonomics of the Head and Neck
- The Skull
- Development of the Head and Neck
Pharmacology
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Anaesthetics
- Opioids
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck
Year 3, Module 3D
End of Year 3 examsThe Endocrine System and ENT (3D)
32 articles
The hormone systems and their disorders, including reproduction and pregnancy, then the ear, nose and throat (ENT) and the neck, with the lumps and cancers found there.
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
Reproductive System
- Puberty
- The Menstrual Cycle and Menstrual Abnormalities
- The Menopause
- Sex, Infertility and Contraception
- Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
- Labour and Delivery
- The Postpartum Period
Head and Neck
- Anatomy of the Ear
- Ear Pathology
- The Nose
- The Larynx
- The Oral Cavity and Pharynx
- Lymph Nodes and Neck Lumps
- Head and Neck Cancers
- The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
- Fascial Planes, Muscles and Triangles
- Introduction to Head & Neck Anatomy
- Imaging of the Head and Neck
From other subjects
- Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
- Temperature Regulation
- Pharmacology of Insulin
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Auditory and Vestibular Systems
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Endocrinology, Head and Neck
Throughout Years 1 to 3
Biochemistry and Genetics
38 articles
Biochemistry and genetics have their own reading lists in Module 1, and the ideas return later. Use these for the molecular side of any system.
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
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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Metabolism, Genetics, Cell Physiology and Biology
Ethics, Law, Sociology and Public Health
17 articles
How populations, beliefs, evidence and safety shape care, plus the practical duties of a doctor.
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
- Ageing
- Child Immunisations
- Child Safeguarding
- Falls
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Men's Health
- Palliative Care
- Sepsis in Paediatrics
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
Consultation and Clinical Skills
50 articles
Consultation skills, general practice sessions and examination skills linked to each module.
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 Norwich assesses Years 1 to 3
- Each year includes written exams and OSCEs. Students also sit an OSCE at the end of each module, an end of year OSCE and two single best answer papers of two hours each.
- In Year 1, progression depends on a written exam and an OSCE. In Year 2, practical OSCEs follow the first two modules and the last two, then an end of year OSCE and written papers.
- Learning is spiral, so topics return in later modules and later exams can ask about earlier modules. Every year also has a Fitness to Practise module, and students must be confirmed as fit to practise by the Professionalism Committee before they move up a year.
- Norwich 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
Years 4 and 5 follow the systems modules.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Norwich Medical School or the University of East Anglia. Module names follow Norwich's published course page, except that we split Module 1 (Foundations of Medicine and the Musculoskeletal System) into two units. Pregnancy and birth are taught in Year 4, but we list those articles early, under Module 3D. The article mapping is ours. Last updated October 2026.
