St Andrews Medical School Cheat Sheet
Every module of St Andrews' pre-clinical years, from Foundations of Medicine 1 to Honours 3, with the SimpleMed articles that cover them. The labels beside each semester show how it is assessed: written exams, APE (anatomy practical exam) and OSCE. Find your module, open the articles, revise.
- 6 semesters
- 9 units
- 356 different SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by St Andrews Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Semester 1
Written, APE, OSCEFoundations of Medicine 1 (MD2001)
102 articles
The opening module: molecular and cellular medicine, plus an overview of every body system from microscopic to whole body. It also starts microbiology, public health, psychology and ethics.
Molecular and cellular medicine
- 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
- Purine and Pyrimidine Metabolism
- 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
- 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
- Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
- Nutrition, Diet and Body Weight
- Vitamins, Cofactors, Minerals and Trace Elements
- Temperature Regulation
- Membrane Potentials
- Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
- An Introduction to Endocrinology
Overview of the body systems
- How to Read a Histology Slide
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- Connective Tissue
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Structure of Bones
- Basics of Bone Anatomy
- Joints
- Structure of the Muscles
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
- Basics of Embryology
- Anatomical Terms
- The Spine
- Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
- Anatomy of the Respiratory System
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Foregut
- Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
- Anatomy of the Woman
- Anatomy of the Man
- Introduction to Head & Neck Anatomy
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Haematopoiesis and the Spleen
- The Lymphatic System
- Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
Microbiology and immunity
- 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
- Antivirals
- Tuberculosis
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
Public health, psychology and ethics
- Introduction to Population Science
- Epidemiological Studies
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Child Immunisations
- Population and Social Science Summary
- Models of Health
- Beliefs of the Public
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Health Economics
- Patient Safety and Quality Control
- Men's Health
- Ageing
First clinical skills
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
- Venepuncture and Blood Cultures OSCE Guide
- Index Conditions for OSCE exams
- Child Safeguarding
- Falls
- Dementia
- Delirium
- Palliative Care
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Metabolism, Infection, Population and Social Science
Year 1, Semester 2
Written, APE, OSCEFoundations of Medicine 2 (MD2002)
124 articles
The musculoskeletal system in depth, then nerve and muscle physiology, the principles of disease mechanisms and drug therapy, genetics and behavioural science.
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
- Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
- 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
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- 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
Nerve and muscle physiology
Disease mechanisms and therapy
- Basics of Pathology
- An Introduction to Pathology
- How to Read a Histology Slide
- Cellular Adaptations
- Acute Inflammation
- Chronic Inflammation
- Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
- The Lymphatic System
- Haemostasis and Clotting
- Thrombosis and Embolism
- Atherosclerosis
- Introduction to Neoplasia
- Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
- Behaviour of Neoplasms
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Teratology and Congenital Malformations
- Innate Immunity
- Adaptive Immunity
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
- Food Allergy
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- The Immunocompromised Host
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Blood Groups, Crossmatching and Transfusion Reactions
- Immunological Therapies
- Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
Drugs and prescribing
- Safe Prescribing
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- Poisoning and STOPP/START
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Drugs
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
- Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
- Antiemetics and Laxatives
- Pharmacology of Insulin
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Antibiotics
- Antivirals
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- NSAIDs
- Opioids
- Anaesthetics
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
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
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Basics of Embryology
Behaviour, stress and pain
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Pathology, Pharmacology, Genetics, Embryology
Year 2, Semester 1
Written, APE, OSCEHonours 1 (Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems) (MD3001)
65 articles
Normal structure, function and disease of the heart, vessels and lungs, with disease mechanisms and therapy.
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
- Atherosclerosis
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Heart Failure
- Artery and Vein Disease
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Cardiovascular Drugs
- Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
- Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
- Varicose Vein OSCE Examination
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) OSCE Examination
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Diuretics and Renal 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
- Respiratory System OSCE Examination
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
Blood, clotting and disease mechanisms
- 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
- Protein Function in Oxygen Transport
- Haemostasis and Clotting
- Thrombosis and Embolism
- Acute Inflammation
- Chronic Inflammation
- Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
- Cellular Adaptations
- Introduction to Neoplasia
- Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
- Behaviour of Neoplasms
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Haematology, Pharmacology
Year 2, Semester 2
Written, APE, OSCEHonours 2 (Reproductive, Renal and Gastrointestinal Systems) (MD3002)
73 articles
Reproduction, kidneys and gut: normal anatomy and physiology, common disease and treatment.
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
- Teratology and Congenital Malformations
- 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
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Breast OSCE Examination
- Testicular OSCE Examination
- Basics of Embryology
- Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
- Child Safeguarding
- Sepsis in Paediatrics
Renal 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
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
- Hepatitis
- Alcohol Metabolism
- Abdominal OSCE Examination
- Rectal (PR) OSCE Examination
- Stoma OSCE Examination
- Hernia OSCE Examination
- Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
- Antiemetics and Laxatives
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Urinary System, Gastrointestinal System, Embryology, Pharmacology
Year 3, Semester 1
Written, APE, OSCEHonours 3 (Central Nervous System and Endocrine System) (MD4001)
73 articles
The control systems: normal structure and function of the brain, spinal cord and endocrine organs, then their diseases and treatments.
Central nervous system
- 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
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Upper Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Lower Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Cerebellar OSCE Examination
- Cranial Nerve OSCE Examination
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
Head, neck and special senses
- 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
- 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
Endocrine system
- 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
- Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
- Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
- Acromegaly OSCE Examination
- Pharmacology of Insulin
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck, Endocrinology, Pharmacology
Year 3, Semester 2
Year 3 assessmentClinical Reasoning
50 articles
A module for students on the BSc route (three years at St Andrews for a BSc (Hons) in Medicine, then a partner medical school). It covers clinical anatomy review, consultation and examination skills, and differential diagnosis.
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
Throughout Years 1 to 3
Ethics, public health and health psychology
17 articles
Strands that run through the course: how disease is measured and prevented, how people think about illness and the ethics and law of practice.
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
Clinical skills and community attachments
50 articles
Communication and clinical skills teaching across the course, assessed in 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
Portfolio of professional development
7 articles
St Andrews students build a portfolio of evidence about their personal development and professional attributes. The articles below on patient safety, models of health and public beliefs about illness give you material to reflect on.
Population and Social Science
From other subjects
How St Andrews assesses Years 1 to 3
- St Andrews says you are assessed through written exams (multiple choice and short answer), anatomy practical exams (APEs) and clinical skills exams (OSCEs). Students also describe a mid-semester multiple choice paper and two end-of-semester written papers.
- Foundations of Medicine 1 is currently weighted 25% coursework and 75% exam. Weightings change, so read the module catalogue for your year.
- Honours modules go system by system. On the BSc route, Year 3 includes the Clinical Reasoning module.
- St Andrews 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
Clinical years follow the pre-clinical years. The routes then differ: the BSc route moves to a partner medical school, while the MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) ScotCOM route stays at St Andrews for five years in total.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, the University of St Andrews or its School of Medicine. Module names follow the published BSc (Hons) Medicine and MBChB (ScotCOM) programme requirements. Topic groupings inside each module, and the article mapping, are our own. Always check your official course materials. Last updated October 2026.
