Plymouth Medical School Cheat Sheet
Years 1 and 2 of the Plymouth BMBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), whose science modules are Medical and Human Sciences in Year 1 and Medical Knowledge 2 in Year 2, with the SimpleMed articles that cover each topic. Find your topic, open the articles, revise.
- 2 years
- 23 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by Peninsula Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Year-long modules
End of Year 1 examsCells, genes and molecules
38 articles
Cell structure, proteins, DNA, inheritance and metabolism: the molecular base for everything later.
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 (tissues under the microscope), bone and muscle, and how the embryo forms.
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
Normal structure and function of the circulation, breathing and blood, with the common conditions that illustrate them.
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, absorption and the liver, then filtration and fluid balance in the kidney.
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
Neurons, the nervous system, head and neck anatomy, vision and hearing, plus common neurological and mental health conditions.
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, reproduction and the life cycle
36 articles
Endocrine glands, reproduction, pregnancy, birth and ageing, following the human life cycle from conception onwards.
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, Patient-Centred Care
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 general processes that run 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 Practice 1
21 articles
The first clinical skills: history taking, basic examination and procedures, with basic life support. 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
Core Competencies 1: Foundations of Evidence
10 articles
Choosing and critically appraising evidence, and communicating it. These articles cover study design, statistics and evidence-based practice.
Population and Social Science
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Epidemiological Studies
- Introduction to Population Science
- Population and Social Science Summary
- Health Economics
- Models of Health
- Beliefs of the Public
From other subjects
Practice Population and Social Science questions on SimpleMed+
Interprofessional Learning 1
5 articles
Shared learning with other health and social care students. These articles cover safety, safeguarding and the patient viewpoint that every team shares.
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Year 2, Year-long modules
End of Year 2 examsHeart and circulation
21 articles
Cardiovascular disease and its drugs, from hypertension and heart failure to coronary disease and shock.
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
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Pharmacology
Lungs and blood
26 articles
Respiratory disease, from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to pneumonia and cancer, and the common disorders of blood.
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
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Respiratory System, Haematology
Gut, liver and kidney
41 articles
Disease of the gut, liver, pancreas and kidney, with the drugs used to treat it.
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
Pharmacology
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System
Hormones and metabolism
13 articles
Diabetes, thyroid, adrenal and pituitary disease, and the metabolic conditions behind them.
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
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Nutrition, Diet and Body Weight
- Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Endocrinology, Metabolism
Brain and mind
19 articles
Stroke, epilepsy, dementia, movement disorders and mental illness, with the drugs that treat them.
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
Bones, joints and skin
18 articles
Musculoskeletal injury and disease, including rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune joint disease) and lupus (an autoimmune disease that can affect many organs), with the anti-inflammatory drugs used.
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
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Immunology
Pregnancy and the life course
25 articles
Problems of pregnancy and birth, reproductive disease and the human and social impact of illness at each life stage.
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
From other subjects
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Teratology and Congenital Malformations
- Dementia
- Palliative Care
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Patient-Centred Care
Infection, immunity and cancer
15 articles
Serious infection, immune failure and hypersensitivity, and the biology and treatment of cancer.
Infection
Immunology
Pharmacology
From other subjects
- Tuberculosis
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy
- Urological Malignancy
- Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
- Behaviour of Neoplasms
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Infection, Immunology, Pathology
Clinical and Communication Skills 2
50 articles
Further clinical and communication skills. 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
Personal Development and Professionalism 2
11 articles
Teamwork, reflection, ethical practice and the human side of illness. These articles cover safeguarding, ageing, palliative care and how patients see health.
Patient-Centred Care
- Ageing
- Child Immunisations
- Child Safeguarding
- Falls
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Men's Health
- Palliative Care
- Sepsis in Paediatrics
Population and Social Science
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Patient-Centred Care, Population and Social Science
Student-Selected Component 2
7 articles
The student-selected component. These articles cover searching sources, appraising evidence, study design and statistics.
Population and Social Science
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Epidemiological Studies
- Health Economics
- Introduction to Population Science
- Population and Social Science Summary
From other subjects
Practice Population and Social Science questions on SimpleMed+
Interprofessional Learning 2
5 articles
Further shared learning with other health and social care students. These articles cover the topics every team meets, such as safety and prevention.
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
How Plymouth assesses Years 1 and 2
- Plymouth's course page publishes no exam names for these years, so the exam labels here do not name a specific exam.
- Student guides from around 2020 describe Applied Medical Knowledge progress tests (repeated knowledge tests that track how your learning develops) through the year, plus an end of year exam. Check whether these tests and this exam still apply.
- Third-party guides mention an Integrated Structured Clinical Examination (a practical exam of clinical skills) at the end of Year 2, and Year 1 clinical competencies such as basic life support.
- Plymouth 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 answer) 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 start early in Year 1. From Year 3 you spend most of your time in clinical learning environments.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Peninsula Medical School or the University of Plymouth. Module names follow the published BMBS course page. Plymouth does not publish topic lists for its science modules, so the units inside those modules and the article mapping are our own. Always check your official course materials. Last updated October 2026.
