Three Counties Medical School Phase 1 Cheat Sheet
Phase 1 at Three Counties is Foundations of Medicine 1 and 2 plus the Projects. It is a graduate-entry course (for students who already hold a degree). You learn through problem-based cases: small-group work that often starts from the problems patients bring. Find your topic, open the articles, revise.
- 2 years
- 15 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by Three Counties Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Foundations 1
Year 1 assessmentsCells, genes and metabolism
41 articles
The molecular and cellular basics behind patient problems: cell biology, genetics, metabolism and early development.
Cell Physiology and Biology
- Action Potentials
- Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
- Biological Membranes
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
- Enzymes and Regulation of Protein Function
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Introduction to DNA
- Introduction to the Cell
- Membrane Potentials
- Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
- Molecular Techniques for Medics
- Post-translational Modification and Collagen Biosynthesis
- Protein Function in Oxygen Transport
- Protein Targeting
- Structure of Proteins
- The Cell Cycle, Checkpoints and Apoptosis
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
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
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Metabolism, Embryology
Infection, immunity and pathology
41 articles
How disease starts and how the body responds: infection, immunity, inflammation, repair and cancer.
Infection
- Adaptive Immunity
- An Introduction to Infection
- Antibiotics
- Bacterial Structure, Classification and Growth
- Biofilms
- Fungi and Parasites: The Eukaryotic Pathogens
- Gram Staining and Infection Investigations
- Gram-negative Bacteria: Structure, Entry Routes and Endotoxin
- Hepatitis
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Innate Immunity
- Principles of Medical Virology
- Sepsis
- Staphylococci and Other Gram-positive Bacteria
- Streptococci
- The Immunocompromised Host
- The Infection Model
- The Organisms Gram Staining Misses
- Travel-related Infections
Immunology
- Food Allergy
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immunological Therapies
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
Pathology
- Acute Inflammation
- An Introduction to Pathology
- Atherosclerosis
- Basics of Pathology
- Behaviour of Neoplasms
- Cellular Adaptations
- Chronic Inflammation
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- Haemostasis and Clotting
- How to Read a Histology Slide
- Introduction to Neoplasia
- Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
- Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
- The Lymphatic System
- Thrombosis and Embolism
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Infection, Immunology, Pathology
Heart, lungs and blood
42 articles
The circulation, breathing and blood, learnt from the problems patients bring.
Cardiovascular System
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
- Artery and Vein Disease
- Cardiac Conduction and Contraction
- Cardiovascular Drugs
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Control of Cardiac Output
- Electrocardiogram Pathology
- Electrocardiograms
- Embryological Development of the CVS
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Heart Failure
- Hypertension
- Murmurs
- Pulses and Pressures
- Special Circulations
- The Cardiac Cycle
Respiratory System
- Anatomy of the Respiratory System
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis
- Carbon Dioxide Transport
- Chemical Control of Breathing and Plasma pH
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Development of the Respiratory System
- Lung Cancer
- Lung Function Testing
- Pneumonia and other Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
- Pneumothorax and Pleural Effusion
- Properties of Gas Exchange
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Respiratory Failure
- Tuberculosis
- Ventilation and Lung Mechanics
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 and hormones
45 articles
Digestion, fluid balance and the endocrine system, including diabetes and thyroid disease.
Gastrointestinal System
- Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Canal
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Foregut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Hindgut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Midgut
- Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Distal Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
- Gastroenteritis and Enterocolitis
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy
- Gastrointestinal Motility and the Enteric Nervous System
- Gastrointestinal Secretion, Digestion and Absorption
- Hepatic, Biliary and Pancreatic Pathology
- Intestinal Pathology
- Liver, Biliary and Exocrine Pancreatic Physiology
- Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
Urinary System
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Control of Plasma Osmolarity
- Control of Plasma Volume
- Control of Potassium
- Development of the Urinary System
- Diabetic Nephropathy
- Diuretics
- Glomerular Disease
- Glomerular Filtration Rate and the Measurement of Kidney Function
- Hyponatraemia
- Male Urological Conditions
- Micturition
- Prostate Pathology
- The Glomerulus: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
- The Nephron
- 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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System, Endocrinology
Brain, senses and movement
83 articles
The nervous system and the head and neck, then the musculoskeletal system, with the psychiatric conditions that sit beside neuroscience.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Arterial Supply to the Brain
- Auditory and Vestibular Systems
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Cells and Components of the Nervous System
- Delirium
- Dementia
- Development of the Nervous System
- Headaches
- Higher Cortical Function
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- Mood Disorders
- Motor System
- Movement Disorders
- Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
- Psychosis
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
- Reticular Formation
- Somatosensory System
- Stroke
- Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
- The Cerebellum: Circuits, Coordination and Clinical Signs
- The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
- Visual System
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
- Bones of the Foot
- Bones of the Hand
- Bones of the Lower Limb
- Bones of the Upper Limb
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Conditions of the Ankle
- Conditions of the Arm
- Conditions of the Back and Neck
- Conditions of the Elbow
- Conditions of the Foot
- Conditions of the Hand
- Conditions of the Hip
- Conditions of the Knee
- Conditions of the Lower Back
- Conditions of the Lower Leg
- Conditions of the Shoulder and Clavicle
- Conditions of the Thigh
- Conditions of the Wrist
- Connective Tissue
- Dermatomes and Myotomes
- Joints
- Key Areas of the Lower Limb
- Key Areas of the Upper Limb
- Muscles in Action
- Muscles of the Forearm
- Muscles of the Gluteal Region
- Muscles of the Lower Leg
- Muscles of the Shoulder
- Muscles of the Thigh
- Muscles of the Upper Arm
- Structure of Bones
- Structure of the Muscles
- The Brachial Plexus
- The Lumbar Plexus
- The Sacral Plexus
- The Spine
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck, Musculoskeletal System
Reproduction and development
24 articles
Male and female reproduction, hormones, contraception and the development of the body before birth.
Reproductive System
- Anatomy of the Man
- Anatomy of the Woman
- Benign Conditions of the Breast
- Development of the Reproductive System
- Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
- Gametogenesis
- Infections of the Reproductive Tract
- Introduction to the Breast
- Labour and Delivery
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
- Malignant Breast Disease
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Physiology of the Fetus
- Physiology of the Mother
- Puberty
- Sex, Infertility and Contraception
- The Menopause
- The Menstrual Cycle and Menstrual Abnormalities
- The Pelvic Floor
- The Placenta
- The Postpartum Period
Embryology
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology
Health, society and evidence
14 articles
How populations, beliefs and behaviour shape health, and how evidence guides care.
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
Year 2, Foundations 2
Year 2 assessmentsMedicine in depth
22 articles
Common heart, lung, kidney, gut and hormone disease, revisited in more depth: diagnosis, investigation and management.
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Pneumonia and other Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
- Tuberculosis
- Lung Cancer
- Respiratory Failure
Urinary System
Gastrointestinal System
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Gastrointestinal System, Endocrinology
Neurology, mind and movement
15 articles
Stroke, dementia, mental health and common musculoskeletal conditions. Epilepsy is covered in Medicines and prescribing.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- Stroke
- Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
- Headaches
- Movement Disorders
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Psychosis
- Dementia
- Delirium
Musculoskeletal System
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Musculoskeletal System
Cancer and tissue disease
10 articles
How tumours arise and behave, and the cancers of the breast, reproductive tract, urinary tract, head and neck.
Pathology
From other subjects
- Malignant Breast Disease
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
- Urological Malignancy
- Prostate Pathology
- Head and Neck Cancers
- DNA Repair and Cancer
- Cancer Chemotherapy
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Pathology, Reproductive System, Urinary System
Medicines and prescribing
28 articles
The main drug classes by system, how drugs behave in the body and how to prescribe them safely.
Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- Anaesthetics
- Antibiotics
- Antiemetics and Laxatives
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Antivirals
- Cancer Chemotherapy
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
- Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- NSAIDs
- Opioids
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
- Pharmacology of Insulin
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
- Poisoning and STOPP/START
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Safe Prescribing
Older people and palliative care
7 articles
Frailty (loss of bodily reserves), falls, delirium (sudden confusion) and end-of-life care: the community problems that return again and again.
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Projects: Family Case Study
16 articles
You visit a family with a new baby over a long period, so read up on pregnancy, birth, child development and the related public health.
Reproductive System
- The Placenta
- Physiology of the Mother
- Physiology of the Fetus
- Labour and Delivery
- The Postpartum Period
- Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
- Puberty
- Sex, Infertility and Contraception
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Teratology and Congenital Malformations
- Models of Health
- Beliefs of the Public
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Patient-Centred Care, Population and Social Science
Projects: Living with a Diagnosis
11 articles
A long study of one patient with a chronic condition and how it affects them and their family, so read up on the common long-term conditions.
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Heart Failure
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Asthma
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Dementia
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Palliative Care
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Patient-Centred Care, Endocrinology
Clinical and Communication Skills
50 articles
Taught in the simulated GP surgery and on placement. Use these as OSCE preparation.
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
How Three Counties assesses Phase 1
- Three Counties names three Phase 1 modules: Foundations of Medicine 1, Foundations of Medicine 2 and Projects. You record your teaching, learning and assessments in an e-portfolio (an online record of your work) and reflect on your progress towards the GMC Outcomes for Graduates (what a graduate is expected to be able to do).
- The programme specification lists the Phase 1 assessments. Year 1: three knowledge tests (single best answer questions, where you pick the most likely answer from five options), a portfolio, a student selected project (you choose the topic), the Family Case Study, an anatomy spotter (a practical exam on identifying anatomical structures) and data and image interpretation. Year 2: two knowledge tests, an OSCE, a portfolio, the Living with a Diagnosis case study, an anatomy spotter and data and image interpretation.
- The Year 1 assessments and Year 2 assessments labels on this page are our own. The curriculum is spiral (topics come round again in more depth), so many topics return in Year 2.
- Three Counties 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+ (you choose the one best option from a list).
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 and 4) is Practice of Medicine 1 and 2.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Three Counties Medical School or the University of Worcester. Only the module and project names are Three Counties' own. Three Counties does not publish a case or topic list, so the units and article grouping are ours (the 356 total counts each article once, but some articles appear in more than one unit); always check your official course materials. Last updated October 2026.
