Pears Cumbria Medical School Cheat Sheet
Years 1 and 2 of the Pears Cumbria graduate-entry MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, the UK medical degree), with the SimpleMed articles that cover each topic. Find your topic, open the articles, revise.
- 2 years
- 21 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by Pears Cumbria School of Medicine. About this page
Year 1, Year-long modules
Year 1 assessmentsCells, genes and molecules
38 articles
The molecular and cellular base: proteins, DNA, inheritance, metabolism and energy.
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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Metabolism
Body structure and development
30 articles
Anatomical language, histology (how tissues look under the microscope), bone, joint and muscle anatomy, and embryology (how the embryo develops).
Musculoskeletal System
- Anatomical Terms
- Connective Tissue
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Basics of Bone Anatomy
- Bones of the Foot
- Bones of the Hand
- Bones of the Lower Limb
- Bones of the Upper Limb
- 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
Embryology
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Embryology
Heart, lungs and blood
42 articles
Anatomy and physiology of the circulation, breathing and blood, and what goes wrong in disease.
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
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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Haematology
Gut, liver and kidney
36 articles
Digestion and the liver, then filtration, fluid balance and the urinary tract.
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
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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System
Brain, nerves and senses
43 articles
The nervous system, head and neck anatomy, the senses and common neurological and mental health disorders.
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
- 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)
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck
Hormones and reproduction
36 articles
The endocrine glands and their disorders, reproduction, pregnancy and ageing.
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
- 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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Endocrinology, Reproductive System
Infection, immunity and drugs
32 articles
Microbes, the immune response and the first principles of how drugs act and are prescribed.
Infection
- Adaptive Immunity
- An Introduction to Infection
- 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
- Antibiotics
Pharmacology
- Antibiotics
- Antivirals
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacodynamics
- Safe Prescribing
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
Immunology
- Food Allergy
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immunological Therapies
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Infection, Immunology, Pharmacology
How disease happens
16 articles
Inflammation, repair, clotting and cancer: the pathophysiology (how disease changes normal body function) that runs through every system.
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
From other subjects
Clinical Skills and Professional Practice 1
21 articles
Early clinical skills and professionalism, with placements. These guides cover the core examinations step by step.
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
Joints and spine
Prevention and Healthcare Delivery 1
13 articles
The social, psychological and behavioural factors that shape health and healthcare, and how research is applied. These articles cover population science 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
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
Year 2, Year-long modules
Year 2 assessmentsDiabetes, obesity and metabolic disease
28 articles
Long-term metabolic and endocrine conditions, from diabetes and its complications to thyroid, adrenal and pituitary disease.
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
- 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
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Endocrinology, Metabolism
Heart disease and hypertension
23 articles
Chronic cardiovascular disease, its risk factors and its drugs, including heart failure and arrhythmia.
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
Pathology
Pharmacology
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Pharmacology
Chronic lung disease
17 articles
Asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis and their complications, with airway pharmacology.
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
Kidney, liver and gut disease
41 articles
Chronic kidney, liver and bowel conditions and the drugs used for them.
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
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
Pharmacology
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Urinary System, Gastrointestinal System
Neurological and mental health conditions
18 articles
Stroke, epilepsy, dementia, movement disorders and mental illness in people with other long-term conditions.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Delirium
- Dementia
- Headaches
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- Mood Disorders
- Movement Disorders
- Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
- Psychosis
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
- Stroke
- Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
Pharmacology
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Opioids
- Anaesthetics
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Pharmacology
Arthritis, pain and frailty
21 articles
Joint disease, chronic pain, ageing and falls, and the drugs and care that go with them.
Musculoskeletal System
- 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
Immunology
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Immunology, Patient-Centred Care
Blood disorders and cancer
19 articles
Anaemia and other blood disorders, and how common cancers arise, present and are treated.
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
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Lung Cancer
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy
- Urological Malignancy
- Malignant Breast Disease
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
- Head and Neck Cancers
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Haematology, Pathology
Infection and immunity
13 articles
Serious and chronic infection, immune failure and allergy, and how antimicrobials are used safely.
Infection
Immunology
Pharmacology
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Infection, Immunology, Pharmacology
Pregnancy and reproductive health
15 articles
Reproductive disease, problems of pregnancy and birth, contraception and fertility.
Reproductive System
- Benign Conditions of the Breast
- Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
- Infections of the Reproductive Tract
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
- Malignant Breast Disease
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- The Menopause
- The Menstrual Cycle and Menstrual Abnormalities
- Sex, Infertility and Contraception
- The Postpartum Period
- Physiology of the Mother
- Labour and Delivery
- The Placenta
From other subjects
Clinical Skills and Professional Practice 2
50 articles
Further clinical skills and placements. These guides cover every examination step by step.
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
Prevention and Healthcare Delivery 2
14 articles
Social science and population health in depth, and using research and data to improve outcomes. These articles cover epidemiology, evidence and quality.
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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
How Pears Cumbria assesses Years 1 and 2
- The school lists written, clinical and oral examinations, workplace-based assessments (staff assess your clinical skills or practical procedures, in simulation or in clinical settings) and project and report work. It publishes no exam names, so the Year 1 assessments and Year 2 assessments labels on this page do not name any exams.
- MBBS assessments are pass or fail.
- As at every UK medical school, you must pass both parts of the Medical Licensing Assessment (the Applied Knowledge Test and the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment) to register with a licence to practise. Your medical school runs it.
- The course is graduate entry (UCAS course code A102). Imperial College London awards the degree, and there are placements in both years.
- Pears Cumbria 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
Short clinical placements start early in Year 1, and Years 3 and 4 are centred on placements in hospital and community settings.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Pears Cumbria School of Medicine, the University of Cumbria or Imperial College London. The module names Medical Sciences, Prevention and Healthcare Delivery, and Clinical Skills and Professional Practice follow the published course page. The school publishes no topic list, so we made the units inside Medical Sciences 1 and 2 (grouped by system and condition) and the article mapping ourselves. Always check your official course materials. Last updated October 2026.
