St George's Medical School Cheat Sheet
Every module of St George's clinical science years (Years 1 and 2 of the five-year course), from Introduction to Medicine to Life Cycle, with the SimpleMed articles that cover them. Find your module below and revise. Exam labels: BCS means Basic and Clinical Sciences, PPS means Patients, Populations and Society, and CCA means clinical competency assessment.
- 2 years
- 14 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by St George's Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Life modules
BCS and PPS examsIntroduction to Medicine (Intro)
45 articles
The 11-week opening unit covers the three curriculum themes (basic and clinical sciences, professional skills, and patients, populations and society), plus anatomy and early skills. The published brochure gives no topic list, so SimpleMed chose these foundations: cells, tissues, metabolism, anatomy language and first pharmacology.
Cell Physiology and Biology
- Introduction to the Cell
- Biological Membranes
- Structure of Proteins
- Enzymes and Regulation of Protein Function
- Protein Targeting
- Post-translational Modification and Collagen Biosynthesis
- Membrane Potentials
- Action Potentials
- Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
- The Cell Cycle, Checkpoints and Apoptosis
- Molecular Techniques for Medics
- Introduction to DNA
- Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
Metabolism
- Energy Reactions in Cells
- Dietary Energy Production
- Glycolysis
- Oxygen-dependent Pathway
- Energy Storage
- Lipid Metabolism and Transport
- Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism
- Oxidative Stress
- Purine and Pyrimidine Metabolism
- Temperature Regulation
- Vitamins, Cofactors, Minerals and Trace Elements
- Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
Musculoskeletal System
- Connective Tissue
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Structure of Bones
- Basics of Bone Anatomy
- Joints
- Structure of the Muscles
- Anatomical Terms
Pharmacology
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacodynamics
- Safe Prescribing
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
From other subjects
- How to Read a Histology Slide
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
- Basics of Embryology
- An Introduction to Endocrinology
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Metabolism, Embryology, Pharmacology
Life Support
56 articles
Heart, lungs and circulation: normal structure and function, how organ malfunction causes disease and how treatments act, with cardiovascular and respiratory history, examination and prevention.
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
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
Pharmacology
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Haematology
Genomics
11 articles
Two weeks on how genes work, how variants (changes in the DNA sequence) cause disease, inheritance patterns and when genetic testing and counselling help patients.
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
From other subjects
- Introduction to DNA
- Molecular Techniques for Medics
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Purine and Pyrimidine Metabolism
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Genetics, Cell Physiology and Biology
Early Years Clinical Experience (EYCE)
11 articles
A preparation week, then two weeks of clinical experience. The articles here cover the observations and common patient groups you will see.
OSCE
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
- Venepuncture and Blood Cultures OSCE Guide
- Index Conditions for OSCE exams
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Patient-Centred Care, OSCE
Life Maintenance
62 articles
How the gut, liver, kidneys and hormones keep the internal environment steady, and the common disorders of each. You learn this through history, examination and discussion of medico-legal issues (where medicine meets the law).
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
- Abdominal OSCE Examination
- Rectal (PR) OSCE Examination
- Stoma OSCE Examination
- Hernia OSCE Examination
- Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
- Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
- Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
- Acromegaly 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
Pharmacology
- Pharmacology of Insulin
- Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
- Antiemetics and Laxatives
- Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System, Endocrinology, Metabolism
Year 2, Life modules
BCS, PPS and CCALife Protection
55 articles
How the body and community defend against attack, and what happens when defences fail: inflammation, infection, allergy, immunodeficiency, genetic disease and cancer, seen as common molecular processes.
Pathology
- 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
Infection
- Innate Immunity
- Adaptive Immunity
- The Immunocompromised Host
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- 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
- Hepatitis
- Sepsis
- Travel-related Infections
- Antibiotics
Immunology
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
- Food Allergy
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Immunological Therapies
Pharmacology
- Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
- Antivirals
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Antibiotics
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
From other subjects
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Teratology and Congenital Malformations
- Blood Groups, Crossmatching and Transfusion Reactions
- Haematology in Systemic Disease
- Tuberculosis
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- DNA Repair and Cancer
- Lymph Nodes and Neck Lumps
- Lymphoreticular OSCE Examination
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Pathology, Immunology, Infection, Genetics
Early Years Clinical Experience (Year 2) (EYCE)
6 articles
Two-week attachments in Year 2, building on Year 1. The articles on sepsis, falls and older people suit what you meet.
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Life Control
60 articles
The nervous system and mind: cell biology, sensory and motor systems, then behaviour and mental illness. You also learn the mental state examination (a structured check of mood, thinking and behaviour) and the neurological examination.
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
- Opioids
- Anaesthetics
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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck, Pharmacology
Life Structure
56 articles
Bones, joints, muscles and skin at microscopic and whole-body level, and the causes of injury and illness. It also introduces rheumatology (joint and autoimmune disease), dermatology (skin disease) and orthopaedics (bone and joint surgery).
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
Immunology
OSCE
- Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Rash and Non-Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- 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
- Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
From other subjects
- Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- NSAIDs
- Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Immunology
Population Health
11 articles
One week on population health and evidence-based 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
From other subjects
Practice Population and Social Science questions on SimpleMed+
Life Cycle
37 articles
Conception, pregnancy, birth, childhood, growth and ageing: normal physiology, common abnormalities, how illness presents in children and what is ageing rather than disease.
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
Patient-Centred Care
- Ageing
- Child Immunisations
- Child Safeguarding
- Falls
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Men's Health
- Palliative Care
- Sepsis in Paediatrics
From other subjects
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Breast OSCE Examination
- Testicular OSCE Examination
- Dementia
- Delirium
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology, Patient-Centred Care
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Professional Skills (PS)
50 articles
Clinical and communication skills across both years. The OSCE guides give a step-by-step method for each examination.
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
Patients, Populations and Society (PPS)
13 articles
Sociology, psychology, ethics, law, health behaviour, evidence and public health.
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
Becoming a doctor
8 articles
The strand of the course on personal and professional development: professionalism, reflection and Student Selected Components (SSCs, projects on a topic you choose).
Population and Social Science
- Patient Safety and Quality Control
- Models of Health
- Beliefs of the Public
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Epidemiological Studies
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Patient-Centred Care, Population and Social Science
How St George's assesses the clinical science years
- At the end of each of Years 1 and 2, knowledge is tested in two parts. Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCS) is tested by single best answer questions (you pick the one best option from a list). Patients, Populations and Society (PPS) is tested by short answer questions.
- The clinical competency assessment (CCA) comes at the end of Year 2.
- Alongside the exams, Becoming a doctor is a separate strand that assesses your professional behaviour at the end of each year.
- St George'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
After Year 2 come the Transition (T) Year, then the Penultimate (P) and Final (F) Years.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, St George's Medical School, City St George's or the University of London. Unit names and durations follow the published five-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) curriculum brochure. The article mapping is our own. Always check your official course materials. Last updated October 2026.
