Southampton Medical School Phase 1 Cheat Sheet
Every Applied Knowledge (AK) module of Southampton's Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2) is covered. Each clinical topic week (a teaching week built around one condition, such as asthma) has the SimpleMed articles behind it. Find your module, open the articles, revise. Each year ends with a synoptic exam (one exam covering everything taught that year).
- 4 periods
- 13 units
- 356 different SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by Southampton Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Semester 1
Year 1 synopticApplied Knowledge 1 (AK1)
79 articles
Clinical topic weeks on head and neck cancer, breast cancer, obesity and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), with the cell biology, genetics, metabolism, pathology and pharmacology behind them.
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
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
- Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
Metabolism
- Purine and Pyrimidine Metabolism
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Energy Reactions in Cells
- Dietary Energy Production
- Glycolysis
- Oxygen-dependent Pathway
- Energy Storage
- Lipid Metabolism and Transport
- Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism
- Oxidative Stress
- Nutrition, Diet and Body Weight
- Vitamins, Cofactors, Minerals and Trace Elements
- Temperature Regulation
- Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
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
Endocrinology
OSCE
Pathology
- Introduction to Neoplasia
- Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
- Behaviour of Neoplasms
- Acute Inflammation
- Chronic Inflammation
- Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
- Cellular Adaptations
- Basics of Pathology
- An Introduction to Pathology
- How to Read a Histology Slide
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- The Lymphatic System
Pharmacology
Head and Neck
Reproductive System
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
Population and Social Science
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Metabolism, Endocrinology, Pathology
Applied Knowledge 2 (AK2)
51 articles
Clinical topic weeks on allergy, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chest infection and lung cancer, taught with respiratory anatomy and physiology, immunology, microbiology and pharmacology.
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
Immunology
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
- Food Allergy
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Immunological Therapies
Infection
- The Immunocompromised Host
- 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
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis
- Sepsis
- Travel-related Infections
- Antibiotics
Pharmacology
Head and Neck
From other subjects
- Respiratory System OSCE Examination
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- Child Immunisations
- Sepsis in Paediatrics
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Respiratory System, Immunology, Infection, Pharmacology
Year 1, Semester 2
Year 1 synopticApplied Knowledge 3 (AK3)
50 articles
Clinical topic weeks on hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, valve disease, heart failure, arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) and kidney injury, with cardiovascular and renal anatomy, physiology and drugs.
Cardiovascular System
- Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
- Embryological Development of the CVS (cardiovascular system)
- 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
OSCE
- Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
- Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
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
Pharmacology
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Urinary System, Pharmacology, Haematology
Applied Knowledge 4 (AK4)
55 articles
Clinical topic weeks on soft tissue injury, back pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, fractures and nerve injury, taught alongside limb anatomy and nerve supply.
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
- 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
OSCE
- GALS Screening OSCE Examination
- Shoulder OSCE Examination
- Elbow OSCE Examination
- Hand and Wrist OSCE Examination
- Spine OSCE Examination
- Hip OSCE Examination
- Knee OSCE Examination
- Ankle and Foot OSCE Examination
Pharmacology
From other subjects
- Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Calcium Metabolism
- Falls
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Immunology, Pharmacology
Year 2, AK5 and AK6
Year 2 synopticApplied Knowledge 5 (AK5)
28 articles
Clinical topic weeks on peptic ulcer (an ulcer in the lining of the stomach or duodenum), liver failure, inflammatory bowel disease (long-term inflammation of the gut, as in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and bowel cancer. They are taught with gut and liver anatomy, physiology and the drugs used.
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
OSCE
Pharmacology
Haematology
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Pharmacology
Applied Knowledge 6 (AK6)
45 articles
Clinical topic weeks on diabetes, Cushing's syndrome (too much of the hormone cortisol), contraception, ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that implants outside the uterus), pre-term labour and developmental delay (a child reaching milestones later than expected). They are taught with endocrine physiology, reproduction and embryology.
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
OSCE
- Breast OSCE Examination
- Testicular OSCE Examination
- Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
- Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
- Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
- Acromegaly OSCE Examination
From other subjects
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Pharmacology of Insulin
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Sepsis in Paediatrics
- Child Safeguarding
- Epigenetics, Genomic Imprinting and Mitochondrial Inheritance
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Endocrinology, Reproductive System, Embryology, Metabolism
Year 2, AK7 and AK8
Year 2 synopticApplied Knowledge 7 (AK7)
63 articles
Clinical topic weeks on stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, subarachnoid haemorrhage (bleeding into the space around the brain), epilepsy and myasthenia gravis (an autoimmune condition that causes muscle weakness). They are taught with neuroanatomy (the structure of the nervous system), neurophysiology (how it works) and neuropharmacology (the drugs that act on it).
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
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
- Visual Acuity OSCE Assessment
- Fundoscopy (Ophthalmoscopy) OSCE Examination
- Anterior Segment Eye 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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck, Pharmacology
Applied Knowledge 8 (AK8)
25 articles
Clinical topic weeks on mental health (such as depression and substance use), dementia, prostate enlargement, multi-organ failure and the medicine of ageing.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Psychosis
- Delirium
- Dementia
- Higher Cortical Function
- The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
Pharmacology
Urinary System
- Prostate Pathology
- Male Urological Conditions
- Urological Malignancy
- Urinary Incontinence
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Acute Kidney Injury
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Pharmacology, Urinary System, Patient-Centred Care
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Clinical Practice 1 and 2 (CP1, CP2)
50 articles
Clinical skills teaching and placements across both years: history taking, examination and communication. The OSCE guides cover each 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
Personal and Professional Development 1 and 2 (PPD)
7 articles
Professional behaviour and reflection. The articles here give you real situations to reflect on.
Population and Social Science
From other subjects
Research as Applied to Medicine 1 and 2 (RAM)
6 articles
Critical appraisal, statistics and study design.
Population and Social Science
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Epidemiological Studies
- Introduction to Population Science
- Population and Social Science Summary
From other subjects
Practice Population and Social Science questions on SimpleMed+
Health Improvement Year 1
13 articles
Public health: how populations stay healthy, prevention and what changes behaviour.
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
Medical Humanities Year 2
6 articles
Medicine through the arts and humanities, the history of medicine and global health.
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
How Southampton assesses Phase 1
- Each year ends with a synoptic examination. Year 1 has a multiple choice question (MCQ) paper and an Integrated Practical paper. In 2026-27, Year 2 has a Practical paper and an MCQ paper, and you need a qualifying mark in each. Southampton's 2027-28 module pages describe a different Year 2 format: two MCQ papers and an Integrated Practical Paper.
- Applied Knowledge is taught through clinical topic weeks such as COPD, hypertension or stroke.
- Coursework counts too: Southampton's five-year medicine degree page puts Year 1 at roughly 48% written exam, 33% coursework and 19% practical exam.
- Southampton 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 option) 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 placements take up much more of your time from Year 3, when Phase 2 (progression into clinical practice) begins.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Southampton Medical School, the Faculty of Medicine or the University of Southampton. Module names follow the published Applied Knowledge module pages. Southampton's 2026-27 module pages do not give a semester for the Year 2 modules, so they are grouped in pairs. The 2027-28 module pages place AK5 and AK6 in Semester 1 and AK7 and AK8 in Semester 2. The Year 2 clinical topic weeks listed above come mainly from the 2026-27 pages, which say Southampton is updating these modules. The 2027-28 pages list some different weeks. For example, AK6 lists infertility and bleeding in early pregnancy where the 2026-27 page lists contraception and ectopic pregnancy. The article mapping is our own, and some articles appear in more than one module, so the module counts add up to more than the 356 different articles. Always check your official course materials. Last updated October 2026.
