UCL Medical School Years 1 and 2 Cheat Sheet

Where Year 1 starts: how cells build tissues and organs, the language of anatomy, and the statistics, epidemiology, psychology and sociology (how society and groups shape health) behind every consultation, plus palliative care.

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 Potentials
• Action Potentials
• Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
• Autonomic Nervous System Introduction

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

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

From other subjects

• How to Read a Histology Slide
• Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care

The organisms that cause disease, how the immune system fights back and how antimicrobial drugs (medicines that kill or stop the growth of microbes) work. Sepsis, HIV and hepatitis show the whole story in a patient.

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

• Tuberculosis
• Antibiotics
• Antivirals
• Child Immunisations

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Infection, Immunology

The heart, vessels, lungs and blood as one oxygen delivery system: structure, control, common diseases and the drugs that treat them.

Heart and lung anatomy and development

• Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
• Embryological Development of the CVS
• Anatomy of the Respiratory System
• Development of the Respiratory System

Cardiovascular physiology

• The Cardiac Cycle
• Cardiac Conduction and Contraction
• Control of Cardiac Output
• Pulses and Pressures
• Special Circulations
• Haemodynamic Shock
• Electrocardiograms

Respiratory physiology

• Ventilation and Lung Mechanics
• Properties of Gas Exchange
• Carbon Dioxide Transport
• Chemical Control of Breathing and Plasma pH
• Lung Function Testing

Blood and oxygen carriage

• 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
• The Lymphatic System

Cardiovascular disease

• Acute Coronary Syndrome
• Artery and Vein Disease
• Congenital Heart Defects
• Electrocardiogram Pathology
• Heart Failure
• Hypertension
• Murmurs
• Cardiovascular Drugs

Respiratory disease

• 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

Drugs for the heart and lungs

• Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
• Cardiac Arrhythmias
• Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
• Hyperlipidaemias
• Hypertension and Heart Failure
• Pharmacology of Airway Control

Examination

• Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
• Respiratory System OSCE Examination
• Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
• Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
• Atherosclerosis

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Haematology

The gut, liver, kidneys and the chemistry that keeps the body fuelled and in balance: digestion, fluid and acid-base control, nutrition and metabolic disease.

Gut, liver and pancreas

• 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

Gastrointestinal disease

• Distal Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
• Gastroenteritis and Enterocolitis
• Gastrointestinal Emergencies
• Gastrointestinal Malignancy
• Hepatic, Biliary and Pancreatic Pathology
• Intestinal Pathology
• Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology

Kidney and urinary tract

• 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

Kidney and urinary disease

• 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

Metabolism and nutrition

• 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
• Control of Appetite
• The Endocrine Pancreas
• Diabetes Mellitus

Drugs for the gut and kidney

• Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
• Antiemetics and Laxatives
• Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
• Pharmacology of Insulin

Examination

• Abdominal OSCE Examination
• Rectal (PR) OSCE Examination
• Stoma OSCE Examination
• Hernia OSCE Examination
• Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System, Metabolism

Bones, joints, muscles and nerves of the limbs and spine, from development to disease, including the injuries and inflammatory conditions that limit mobility.

Tissues and development

• 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

Upper limb

• 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

Lower limb

• 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

Spine and nerve supply

• Conditions of the Back and Neck
• Conditions of the Lower Back
• Dermatomes and Myotomes
• The Spine

Autoimmune joint disease

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Introduction to Autoimmunity

Pain relief and examination

• NSAIDs
• Opioids
• 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

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Immunology

How the nervous system is built and works, how we sense and move, then what happens in stroke, neurodegeneration (gradual loss of nerve cells, as in Parkinson's disease) and mental illness, with the drugs that act on the brain.

Nervous system structure and development

• 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

Sensory, motor and higher functions

• 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

Excitable cells and signalling

• 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, neck and special senses

• The Eye
• Anatomy of the Ear
• Ear Pathology
• Cranial Nerves I-VI
• Cranial Nerves VII-XII
• The Meninges
• Autonomics of the Head and Neck
• Blood Supply to the Head and Neck

Neurological disease

• Stroke
• Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
• Raised Intracranial Pressure
• Headaches
• Infections of the Central Nervous System
• Movement Disorders

Mental health

• Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
• Mood Disorders
• Psychosis
• Dementia
• Delirium

Drugs acting on the nervous system

• Anaesthetics
• Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
• Introduction to Psychopharmacology
• Opioids
• Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
• Adrenergic Pharmacology
• Cholinergic Pharmacology

Examination

• Cranial Nerve OSCE Examination
• Upper Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
• Lower Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
• Cerebellar OSCE Examination

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck, Pharmacology

The major hormone axes, thyroid disease and diabetes, then the male and female reproductive systems, from puberty and the menstrual cycle to pregnancy and menopause.

Hormones and the endocrine axes

• 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

Anatomy and physiology of reproduction

• 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

Pregnancy, labour and the newborn period

• The Placenta
• Physiology of the Mother
• Physiology of the Fetus
• Labour and Delivery
• The Postpartum Period
• Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy

Reproductive disease

• Benign Conditions of the Breast
• Infections of the Reproductive Tract
• Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
• Malignant Breast Disease
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Hormone-related drugs

• Pharmacology of Insulin
• Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health

Examination

• Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
• Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
• Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
• Acromegaly OSCE Examination
• Breast OSCE Examination

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Endocrinology, Reproductive System

Human genetics and inheritance, how an embryo develops and what happens when it goes wrong, then the molecular and cellular basis of cancer.

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

Embryology and development

• Basics of Embryology
• Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
• Teratology and Congenital Malformations
• Development of the Head and Neck
• Development of the Nervous System
• Development of the Respiratory System
• Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract
• Development of the Urinary System
• Development of the Reproductive System
• Embryological Development of the CVS
• Congenital Heart Defects

Cancer biology

• Introduction to Neoplasia
• Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
• Behaviour of Neoplasms
• The Cell Cycle, Checkpoints and Apoptosis
• Cancer Chemotherapy

Cancers by system

• Lung Cancer
• Gastrointestinal Malignancy
• Urological Malignancy
• Malignant Breast Disease
• Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
• Head and Neck Cancers

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Genetics, Embryology, Pathology

Five strands that run beside the system modules: anatomy and imaging, clinical skills and practical procedures, Doctor as Data Scientist, pathological sciences and use of medicines.

Browse every examination guide on the SimpleMed OSCE hub

Anatomy and imaging

• Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
• Embryological Development of the CVS
• Anatomy of the Respiratory System
• Development of the Respiratory 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
• Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
• Development of the Urinary System
• Anatomy of the Man
• Anatomy of the Woman
• Development of the Reproductive System
• Introduction to the Breast
• The Pelvic Floor
• 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
• 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)
• 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

Clinical skills and practical procedures

• Index Conditions for OSCE exams
• Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
• Venepuncture and Blood Cultures OSCE Guide
• Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
• Respiratory System OSCE Examination
• Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
• Varicose Vein OSCE Examination
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) OSCE Examination
• Abdominal OSCE Examination
• Rectal (PR) OSCE Examination
• Stoma OSCE Examination
• Hernia OSCE Examination
• Testicular OSCE Examination
• Cranial Nerve OSCE Examination
• Upper Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
• Lower Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
• Cerebellar OSCE Examination
• 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
• Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
• Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
• Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
• Acromegaly OSCE Examination
• 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
• Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
• Rash and Non-Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
• Breast OSCE Examination
• Lymphoreticular OSCE Examination

Doctor as Data Scientist

• Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
• Epidemiological Studies
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Introduction to Population Science
• Population and Social Science Summary
• Research Methods in Pharmacology
• Molecular Techniques for Medics

Pathological sciences

• 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
• How to Read a Histology Slide
• Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
• Full Blood Count
• Gram Staining and Infection Investigations

Use of medicines

• Pharmacodynamics
• Pharmacokinetics
• Safe Prescribing
• Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
• Poisoning and STOPP/START
• Adrenergic Pharmacology
• Cholinergic Pharmacology
• Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
• Cardiac Arrhythmias
• Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
• Hyperlipidaemias
• Hypertension and Heart Failure
• Pharmacology of Airway Control
• Antiemetics and Laxatives
• Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
• Anaesthetics
• Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
• Introduction to Psychopharmacology
• Opioids
• Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
• Antibiotics
• Antivirals
• Cancer Chemotherapy
• Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
• NSAIDs
• Pharmacology of Insulin
• Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: OSCE, Pathology, Pharmacology, Population and Social Science

Strands on mental health, social determinants of health, clinical communication, ethics and law, patient safety and professionalism: the human side of medicine.

Mental health

• Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
• Mood Disorders
• Psychosis
• Dementia
• Delirium

Social determinants and public health

• Models of Health
• Beliefs of the Public
• Health Economics
• Introduction to Population Science
• Lifestyle Medicine
• Men's Health

Patient safety and professionalism

• Patient Safety and Quality Control
• Child Safeguarding
• Falls
• Ageing
• Palliative Care
• Sepsis in Paediatrics
• Child Immunisations

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Patient-Centred Care, Population and Social Science, Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry

The patient pathway modules: integrated and community care in Year 1, cardiometabolic medicine (heart, blood vessel and metabolic conditions such as diabetes) in Year 2. The articles here cover the conditions you meet along those pathways.

Patient-Centred Care

• Ageing
• Child Immunisations
• Child Safeguarding
• Falls
• Lifestyle Medicine
• Men's Health
• Palliative Care
• Sepsis in Paediatrics

Cardiovascular System

• Hypertension
• Heart Failure
• Acute Coronary Syndrome
• Artery and Vein Disease

From other subjects

• Diabetes Mellitus
• The Endocrine Pancreas
• Nutrition, Diet and Body Weight
• Lipid Metabolism and Transport
• Hyperlipidaemias
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Stroke

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Patient-Centred Care, Cardiovascular System, Endocrinology