Queen's Belfast Medical School Cheat Sheet
Every unit of Queen's Foundations for Practice 1 and 2 (Years 1 and 2), with the SimpleMed articles that cover them. Find your unit, open the articles, revise.
- 2 years
- 12 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by Queen's University Belfast Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Foundations 1
Year 1 synoptic, OSCEFundamentals of the medical sciences and public health
54 articles
The transition unit: cell biology, biochemistry (the chemistry of the body) and genetics, the basic form and function of the body, first pharmacology (how drugs work) and an introduction to statistics, epidemiology and the NHS. Your first patient contact and training in basic life support (CPR and early emergency care) are part of this unit.
Cell Physiology and Biology
- Introduction to the Cell
- Biological Membranes
- Structure of Proteins
- Enzymes and Regulation of Protein Function
- Protein Function in Oxygen Transport
- Protein Targeting
- Post-translational Modification and Collagen Biosynthesis
- Introduction to DNA
- The Cell Cycle, Checkpoints and Apoptosis
- Molecular Techniques for Medics
- Action Potentials
- Membrane Potentials
- Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
Metabolism
- Purine and Pyrimidine Metabolism
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Oxidative Stress
- Energy Reactions in Cells
- Dietary Energy Production
- Glycolysis
- Oxygen-dependent Pathway
- Energy Storage
- Lipid Metabolism and Transport
- Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism
- Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
- Nutrition, Diet and Body Weight
Genetics
- Mitosis and Meiosis
- Genotype, Phenotype, and Inheritance
- Gene Expression
- Introduction to Gene Mutation
- DNA Repair and Cancer
- Epigenetics, Genomic Imprinting and Mitochondrial Inheritance
- Genetic Testing and Counselling
Pharmacology
Population and Social Science
- Introduction to Population Science
- Epidemiological Studies
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Population and Social Science Summary
- Patient Safety and Quality Control
- Health Economics
From other subjects
- An Introduction to Endocrinology
- Anatomical Terms
- Connective Tissue
- How to Read a Histology Slide
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- Basics of Embryology
- Child Immunisations
- Travel-related Infections
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
- Venepuncture and Blood Cultures OSCE Guide
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Metabolism, Population and Social Science
Cardiovascular, respiratory and haematological systems
86 articles
The first systems unit, taught through case scenarios (patient cases you work through), with about two weeks on each: how the heart, vessels, lungs and blood are built and work, and common disease. Embryology (development before birth), histology (tissues under the microscope), pathology (how disease changes the body), immunology (the immune system), microbiology (bacteria, viruses and other microbes) and clinical pharmacology (how drugs are used in patients) are taught together with the body systems.
Cardiovascular System
- Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
- Embryological Development of the CVS
- The Cardiac Cycle
- Cardiac Conduction and Contraction
- Control of Cardiac Output
- Pulses and Pressures
- Special Circulations
- Electrocardiograms
- Electrocardiogram Pathology
- Murmurs
- Hypertension
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Heart Failure
- Artery and Vein Disease
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Cardiovascular Drugs
Pathology
- Atherosclerosis
- Haemostasis and Clotting
- Thrombosis and Embolism
- Acute Inflammation
- Chronic Inflammation
- Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
- Cellular Adaptations
- The Lymphatic System
- Basics of Pathology
- An Introduction to Pathology
OSCE
- Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
- Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
- Respiratory System OSCE Examination
Respiratory System
- Anatomy of the Respiratory System
- Development of the Respiratory System
- Ventilation and Lung Mechanics
- Properties of Gas Exchange
- Carbon Dioxide Transport
- Chemical Control of Breathing and Plasma pH
- Lung Function Testing
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Pneumonia and other Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
- Tuberculosis
- Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis
- Pneumothorax and Pleural Effusion
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Lung Cancer
- Respiratory Failure
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
Infection
- 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
- Innate Immunity
- Adaptive Immunity
- The Immunocompromised Host
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis
- Sepsis
- Travel-related Infections
- Antibiotics
Pharmacology
- Antivirals
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
From other subjects
- Protein Function in Oxygen Transport
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- Ageing
- Child Immunisations
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Haematology, Pathology
Musculoskeletal system Part 1
31 articles
The first half of the musculoskeletal system: general principles of bone, joint and muscle, then the upper limb and spine and their injuries and conditions. Part 2 in Year 2 adds the lower limb.
Musculoskeletal System
- Anatomical Terms
- Basics of Bone Anatomy
- Structure of Bones
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Connective Tissue
- Joints
- Structure of the Muscles
- Muscles in Action
- Bones of the Upper Limb
- Bones of the Hand
- Key Areas of the Upper Limb
- Muscles of the Shoulder
- Muscles of the Upper Arm
- Muscles of the Forearm
- The Brachial Plexus
- Conditions of the Shoulder and Clavicle
- Conditions of the Arm
- Conditions of the Elbow
- Conditions of the Wrist
- Conditions of the Hand
- The Spine
- Conditions of the Back and Neck
- Conditions of the Lower Back
- Dermatomes and Myotomes
OSCE
- GALS Screening OSCE Examination
- Shoulder OSCE Examination
- Elbow OSCE Examination
- Hand and Wrist OSCE Examination
- Spine OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Embryology
Student Selected Component
5 articles
A piece of coursework on a subject you choose, building the skills to find published research (literature searching), critical appraisal (judging how good a piece of research is) and written and spoken communication. These evidence and study design articles help with appraisal.
Population and Social Science
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Epidemiological Studies
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Introduction to Population Science
From other subjects
Practice Population and Social Science questions on SimpleMed+
Year 2, Foundations 2
Year 2 synoptic, OSCEGastrointestinal, renal, endocrine and reproductive systems
108 articles
The largest systems unit: the gut and liver, kidneys and urine, hormones and reproduction from fertilisation to the newborn. It is taught with abdominal and pelvic anatomy, histology (tissues under the microscope), embryology (development before birth), nutrition, drugs and the genetics and infections of each system.
Gastrointestinal System
- Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Foregut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Midgut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Hindgut
- Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Canal
- Gastrointestinal Motility and the Enteric Nervous System
- Gastrointestinal Secretion, Digestion and Absorption
- Liver, Biliary and Exocrine Pancreatic Physiology
- Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
- Intestinal Pathology
- Distal Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
- Hepatic, Biliary and Pancreatic Pathology
- Gastroenteritis and Enterocolitis
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
Infection
Metabolism
- Alcohol Metabolism
- Nutrition, Diet and Body Weight
- Vitamins, Cofactors, Minerals and Trace Elements
- Temperature Regulation
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
OSCE
- Abdominal OSCE Examination
- Rectal (PR) OSCE Examination
- Stoma OSCE Examination
- Hernia OSCE Examination
- Breast OSCE Examination
- Testicular OSCE Examination
Urinary System
- Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
- Development of the Urinary System
- The Nephron
- Glomerular Filtration Rate and the Measurement of Kidney Function
- The Glomerulus: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
- Control of Plasma Osmolarity
- Control of Plasma Volume
- Control of Potassium
- Hyponatraemia
- Micturition
- Diuretics
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Glomerular Disease
- Diabetic Nephropathy
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Urinary Tract Obstruction
- Urinary Incontinence
- Male Urological Conditions
- Prostate Pathology
- Urological Malignancy
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 Woman
- Anatomy of the Man
- The Pelvic Floor
- Development of the Reproductive System
- Gametogenesis
- Puberty
- The Menstrual Cycle and Menstrual Abnormalities
- Sex, Infertility and Contraception
- The Placenta
- Physiology of the Mother
- Physiology of the Fetus
- Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
- Labour and Delivery
- The Postpartum Period
- The Menopause
- Infections of the Reproductive Tract
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
- Introduction to the Breast
- Benign Conditions of the Breast
- Malignant Breast Disease
Embryology
Pharmacology
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
- Antiemetics and Laxatives
- Pharmacology of Insulin
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Poisoning and STOPP/START
- Safe Prescribing
- Pharmacokinetics
- Antivirals
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Antibiotics
Pathology
Patient-Centred Care
Haematology
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System, Endocrinology, Reproductive System
Neurological system
67 articles
Brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves, the blood-brain barrier (the barrier that controls what passes from blood into the brain) and cerebral blood supply, sensory and movement pathways, vision, hearing and balance, plus the drugs for epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, dementia and mental illness.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
- Development of the Nervous System
- Arterial Supply to the Brain
- Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
- Somatosensory System
- Motor System
- The Cerebellum: Circuits, Coordination and Clinical Signs
- Reticular Formation
- The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
- Higher Cortical Function
- Visual System
- Auditory and Vestibular Systems
- Stroke
- Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
- Headaches
- Movement Disorders
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- Dementia
- Delirium
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Psychosis
Pharmacology
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- Opioids
- Anaesthetics
- NSAIDs
OSCE
- Upper Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Lower Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Cerebellar OSCE Examination
- Cranial Nerve OSCE Examination
- Eye and Vision OSCE Examination
- Ear, Otoscopy and Hearing OSCE Examination
- Nasal OSCE Examination
- Neck Lump OSCE Examination
- Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
Head and Neck
- Introduction to Head & Neck Anatomy
- Development of the Head and Neck
- The Skull
- Fascial Planes, Muscles and Triangles
- Blood Supply to the Head and Neck
- Autonomics of the Head and Neck
- Cranial Nerves I-VI
- Cranial Nerves VII-XII
- The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
- The Oral Cavity and Pharynx
- The Nose
- The Larynx
- The Eye
- Anatomy of the Ear
- Ear Pathology
- Lymph Nodes and Neck Lumps
- Head and Neck Cancers
- Imaging of the Head and Neck
- The Meninges
Cell Physiology and Biology
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck, Pharmacology
Musculoskeletal system Part 2 and Skin
54 articles
The lower limb, joints, bone and cartilage under the microscope, and the skin, learnt through everyday problems patients come with, such as injuries, arthritis and rashes, with the drugs used for them.
Musculoskeletal System
- Bones of the Lower Limb
- Bones of the Foot
- Key Areas of the Lower Limb
- Muscles of the Gluteal Region
- Muscles of the Thigh
- Muscles of the Lower Leg
- The Lumbar Plexus
- The Sacral Plexus
- Conditions of the Hip
- Conditions of the Thigh
- Conditions of the Knee
- Conditions of the Lower Leg
- Conditions of the Ankle
- Conditions of the Foot
- The Spine
- Conditions of the Back and Neck
- Conditions of the Lower Back
- Dermatomes and Myotomes
- Anatomical Terms
- Basics of Bone Anatomy
- Structure of Bones
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Connective Tissue
- Joints
- Structure of the Muscles
- Muscles in Action
OSCE
- GALS Screening OSCE Examination
- Hip OSCE Examination
- Knee OSCE Examination
- Ankle and Foot OSCE Examination
- Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Rash and Non-Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
- Lymphoreticular OSCE Examination
Immunology
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Food Allergy
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Immunological Therapies
Pharmacology
Infection
From other subjects
- Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- The Lymphatic System
- Artery and Vein Disease
- Ageing
- Falls
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Immunology, Pharmacology
Student Selected Component 2
6 articles
A second piece of coursework on a subject of your choice. Evidence and research method articles help with critical appraisal.
Population and Social Science
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Epidemiological Studies
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Population and Social Science Summary
From other subjects
Practice Population and Social Science questions on SimpleMed+
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Clinical and communication skills
50 articles
Runs through both years: communication, examination and practical procedural skills (such as taking blood) matched to each body system, practised in the Clinical Skills Education Centre (CSEC) and with real patients, and tested by OSCEs.
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
Family Attachment Scheme and General Practice experience
16 articles
Early patient contact through the Family Attachment scheme (you visit a family or household to learn how social circumstances affect health) and general practice experience. The articles here cover the patient groups and care themes you meet.
Population and Social Science
Patient-Centred Care
- Child Safeguarding
- Falls
- Ageing
- Palliative Care
- Child Immunisations
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Men's Health
- Sepsis in Paediatrics
From other subjects
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
- Venepuncture and Blood Cultures OSCE Guide
- Sepsis
- Dementia
- Delirium
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Patient-Centred Care, Population and Social Science
Curriculum DNA (GCAT)
15 articles
Four themes (the initials spell GCAT, the 'Curriculum DNA') woven through the course: Global and Population Health; Clinical Science and Practice; Achieving Good Medical Practice; and Teamwork for Safe Care. The population and safety articles fit Global and Population Health and Teamwork for Safe Care most closely.
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
Reflective Practice
5 articles
Reflective practice across both years. Good Medical Practice (the General Medical Council's standards for doctors) and patient safety articles give you real material to reflect on.
Population and Social Science
From other subjects
How Queen's assesses Foundations for Practice
- Years 1 and 2 are two large modules: Foundations for Practice 1 (50% examination, 50% practical) and Foundations for Practice 2 (45% examination, 55% practical).
- Knowledge is tested with single best answer questions (multiple choice with one correct answer), including a year-end synoptic assessment. Clinical skills are tested by OSCEs, and Clinical Skills Education Centre (CSEC) sessions prepare you for them.
- Progress testing (regular written knowledge tests that let you track your progress) runs through the course. Check your year handbook for how each test is used.
- Queen's 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 3 to 5 are clinical.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Queen's University Belfast or its School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences. Unit names follow Queen's published Foundations for Practice descriptions (one long title is shortened). Queen's does not publish unit timings, so units appear in module order. The article mapping is our own. Always check your official course materials. Last updated October 2026.
