St Mary's Medical School Phase 1 Cheat Sheet
This is the Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2) guide to St Mary's new MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery: the UK medical degree). It links the SimpleMed articles that cover the course's three strands (main themes): science, society and clinical skills. Find your topic, open the articles, revise.
- 2 years
- 13 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by St Mary's University, Twickenham School of Medicine. About this page
Year 1, Science strand
End of Year 1 examsCells, genes and tissues
28 articles
How cells work and form tissues: proteins, membranes, DNA, inheritance and histology (how tissues look under the microscope).
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
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
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
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics
Heart, lungs and blood
25 articles
Anatomy and physiology of the circulation, lungs and blood, including oxygen carriage and the measurements taken at the bedside.
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
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Electrocardiograms
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
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, kidneys, metabolism and hormones
41 articles
Digestion, fluid and electrolyte balance, energy metabolism and the endocrine system that regulates them.
Gastrointestinal System
- Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Canal
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Foregut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Midgut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Hindgut
- Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Gastrointestinal Motility and the Enteric Nervous System
- Gastrointestinal Secretion, Digestion and Absorption
- Liver, Biliary and Exocrine Pancreatic Physiology
Urinary System
- Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
- Development of the Urinary System
- The Nephron
- The Glomerulus: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
- Glomerular Filtration Rate and the Measurement of Kidney Function
- Control of Plasma Osmolarity
- Control of Plasma Volume
- Control of Potassium
- Micturition
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
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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System, Metabolism, Endocrinology
Brain, nerves and movement
76 articles
The nervous system, the head and neck, and the bones, joints and muscles of the limbs and spine.
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
- Motor System
- Somatosensory System
- Visual System
- Auditory and Vestibular Systems
- The Cerebellum: Circuits, Coordination and Clinical Signs
- Reticular Formation
- The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
- Higher Cortical Function
Cell Physiology and Biology
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
- Membrane Potentials
- Action Potentials
- Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
- Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
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)
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
- Muscles of the Shoulder
- Muscles of the Upper Arm
- Muscles of the Forearm
- Key Areas of the Upper Limb
- The Brachial Plexus
- Conditions of the Arm
- Conditions of the Elbow
- Conditions of the Hand
- Conditions of the Wrist
- Conditions of the Shoulder and Clavicle
- Bones of the Lower Limb
- Bones of the Foot
- Muscles of the Gluteal Region
- Muscles of the Thigh
- Muscles of the Lower Leg
- Key Areas of the Lower Limb
- The Lumbar Plexus
- The Sacral Plexus
- Conditions of the Ankle
- Conditions of the Foot
- Conditions of the Hip
- Conditions of the Knee
- Conditions of the Lower Leg
- Conditions of the Thigh
- Conditions of the Back and Neck
- Conditions of the Lower Back
- Dermatomes and Myotomes
- The Spine
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck, Musculoskeletal System
Reproduction and development
19 articles
How the reproductive systems work, how an embryo develops and how a pregnancy progresses.
Reproductive System
- Anatomy of the Man
- Anatomy of the Woman
- Development of the Reproductive System
- Introduction to the Breast
- The Pelvic Floor
- Gametogenesis
- Puberty
- The Menstrual Cycle and Menstrual Abnormalities
- The Menopause
- Sex, Infertility and Contraception
- The Placenta
- Physiology of the Mother
- Physiology of the Fetus
- Labour and Delivery
- The Postpartum Period
- Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
Embryology
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology
Year 2, Science strand
End of Year 2 examsDefence and infection
30 articles
The organisms that cause infection, the immune system that responds and how antibiotics and antivirals work.
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
Immunology
- Food Allergy
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immunological Therapies
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Infection, Immunology
Heart, lung and blood disease
32 articles
The common cardiovascular, respiratory and blood diseases, with investigation and drug treatment.
Cardiovascular System
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Artery and Vein Disease
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Electrocardiogram Pathology
- Heart Failure
- Hypertension
- Murmurs
- Cardiovascular Drugs
Respiratory System
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Lung Cancer
- Pneumonia and other Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
- Pneumothorax and Pleural Effusion
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Respiratory Failure
- Tuberculosis
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
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Haematology
Gut, kidney and hormone disease
47 articles
Disease of the gut, liver, kidneys and urinary tract, plus diabetes and the other endocrine and metabolic disorders.
Gastrointestinal System
- Distal Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
- Gastroenteritis and Enterocolitis
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy
- Hepatic, Biliary and Pancreatic Pathology
- Intestinal Pathology
- Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
Urinary System
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Diabetic Nephropathy
- Diuretics
- Glomerular Disease
- Hyponatraemia
- Male Urological Conditions
- Prostate Pathology
- Urinary Incontinence
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Urinary Tract Obstruction
- 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
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
Pharmacology
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
- Antiemetics and Laxatives
- Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
- Pharmacology of Insulin
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System, Endocrinology
Brain, mind and bone disease
52 articles
Stroke, headache, movement disorders, mental illness and dementia, plus fractures, joint disease and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Stroke
- Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
- Headaches
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- Movement Disorders
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Mood Disorders
- Psychosis
- Dementia
- Delirium
Pharmacology
- Anaesthetics
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Opioids
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- NSAIDs
Musculoskeletal System
- Bones of the Upper Limb
- Bones of the Hand
- Muscles of the Shoulder
- Muscles of the Upper Arm
- Muscles of the Forearm
- Key Areas of the Upper Limb
- The Brachial Plexus
- Conditions of the Arm
- Conditions of the Elbow
- Conditions of the Hand
- Conditions of the Wrist
- Conditions of the Shoulder and Clavicle
- Bones of the Lower Limb
- Bones of the Foot
- Muscles of the Gluteal Region
- Muscles of the Thigh
- Muscles of the Lower Leg
- Key Areas of the Lower Limb
- The Lumbar Plexus
- The Sacral Plexus
- Conditions of the Ankle
- Conditions of the Foot
- Conditions of the Hip
- Conditions of the Knee
- Conditions of the Lower Leg
- Conditions of the Thigh
- Conditions of the Back and Neck
- Conditions of the Lower Back
- Dermatomes and Myotomes
- The Spine
Immunology
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Musculoskeletal System
Disease processes and drugs
26 articles
Inflammation, repair, clotting and tumour biology, then how drugs act and how to prescribe safely.
Pathology
- An Introduction to Pathology
- Basics of Pathology
- Cellular Adaptations
- Acute Inflammation
- Chronic Inflammation
- Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
- Haemostasis and Clotting
- Thrombosis and Embolism
- Atherosclerosis
- The Lymphatic System
- Introduction to Neoplasia
- Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
- Behaviour of Neoplasms
Pharmacology
- Pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacokinetics
- Safe Prescribing
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- Poisoning and STOPP/START
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
- NSAIDs
- Pharmacology of Insulin
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Pathology, Pharmacology
Pregnancy and reproductive disease
12 articles
Complications of pregnancy and labour, plus infections, benign conditions and cancers of the reproductive tract and breast.
Reproductive System
- Benign Conditions of the Breast
- Infections of the Reproductive Tract
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
- Malignant Breast Disease
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- The Placenta
- Physiology of the Mother
- Physiology of the Fetus
- Labour and Delivery
- The Postpartum Period
- Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
From other subjects
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Medicine and Society
24 articles
The Medicine and Society strand. The articles cover population health, evidence, safety and the care of vulnerable patients.
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
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care
Clinical and Professional Practice
40 articles
Clinical, communication and professional skills, with simulation and placements from Year 1. These are the examination guides to practice with.
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 (gait, arms, legs, spine) 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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: OSCE, Patient-Centred Care
How St Mary's assesses Phase 1
- The first cohort (the first group of students) started in September 2026. St Mary's does not list exam names or dates on its public course pages. This means the exam labels here, such as End of Year 1 exams, are simple labels we chose ourselves.
- Phase 1 has three strands: 'Integrated and Applied Science and Clinical Medicine' (shown on this page as the Science strand), 'Medicine and Society' and 'Clinical and Professional Practice'. Placements start in Year 1.
- The course is working towards GMC accreditation (formal approval of the course by the GMC, so that graduates hold a GMC-recognised medical qualification). It currently takes applications from international (non-UK and non-Irish) students only. Graduates sit the GMC Medical Licensing Assessment (a two-part assessment that all students graduating from UK universities must pass as part of their degree). After that, they can apply for provisional registration with the GMC (the first stage of GMC registration, which lets new graduates start work as doctors).
- St Mary'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 (multiple-choice questions 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
Phase 2 (Years 3 to 5) builds on Phase 1 with longer clinical placements across London, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. Year 3 is Generalism (general medicine, urgent and acute care, surgery and general practice). Year 4 is Specialism (specialty medicine and surgery, mental health, cancer care and end of life, women's health, urology (diseases of the urinary tract) and child health). Year 5 is Transition to Clinical Practice (the final year, moving into clinical practice, with rotations in areas such as emergency medicine, mental health and general practice).
An independent revision guide by SimpleMed, not endorsed by or affiliated with St Mary's University, Twickenham School of Medicine. The three strand names follow the school's published course page. St Mary's has not published a topic list or a Year 1 and 2 split for Phase 1. The units and the article mapping on this page are our own. Some articles appear in more than one unit, so the unit counts add up to more than the 356 total. Last updated October 2026.
