Ulster Medical School Years 1 and 2 Cheat Sheet
Ulster's graduate-entry course at Magee starts with Clinical Sciences, then the Transition Year, which includes a 17-week problem-based learning (PBL) programme. Find your topic, open the articles, revise.
- 2 years
- 14 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles, each counted once
Independent guide, not endorsed by Ulster University School of Medicine. About this page
Year 1, Clinical Sciences
End of Year 1 examsCells, genes and metabolism
41 articles
The molecular and cellular basics: 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, with the signs and symptoms each system produces.
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 and electrolyte 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, mind and senses
43 articles
The nervous system and the head and neck, with the psychiatric conditions that sit alongside 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)
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck
Bones, muscles and movement
41 articles
Musculoskeletal anatomy and the common injuries and conditions, learnt without dissection.
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
Reproduction, development and ageing
29 articles
Male and female reproduction, pregnancy and birth, development, newborn screening and the care of older people.
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
Patient-Centred Care
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology, Patient-Centred Care
Year 2, Transition Year
End of Year 2 examsPBL cases: medicine
21 articles
Common medical presentations and the science behind their management: heart, lung, kidney, liver and hormone disease. From the 17-week PBL programme.
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Pneumonia and other Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Respiratory Failure
Urinary System
From other subjects
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Diabetes Mellitus
- The Thyroid Gland
- Anaemia
- Hepatic, Biliary and Pancreatic Pathology
- Stroke
- Headaches
- Sepsis
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Endocrinology, Urinary System
PBL cases: surgery, cancer and emergencies
20 articles
Surgical and acute presentations: abdominal emergencies, shock, trauma to bones and joints and the cancers surgeons treat.
Gastrointestinal System
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy
- Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
- Intestinal Pathology
- Distal Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
Pathology
Musculoskeletal System
From other subjects
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Lung Cancer
- Urological Malignancy
- Prostate Pathology
- Malignant Breast Disease
- Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
- Head and Neck Cancers
- Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Pathology, Musculoskeletal System
PBL cases: mind, older people and women's health
14 articles
Mental health, dementia and ageing, plus the pregnancy and gynaecology presentations seen in primary care.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
Reproductive System
- Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
- Labour and Delivery
- The Postpartum Period
- Sex, Infertility and Contraception
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Infections of the Reproductive Tract
- The Menopause
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Patient-Centred Care, Reproductive System
Medicines, prescribing and poisoning
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
General Practice, Medicine and Surgery attachments
11 articles
The five-week attachments: ward basics, observations and examinations.
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
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Patients, Populations and Society
17 articles
One of Ulster's three teaching themes, alongside Basic and Clinical Sciences and Professional Skills: population health, social context, evidence and the community side of 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
- 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
Professional Skills
50 articles
One of Ulster's three teaching themes, alongside Basic and Clinical Sciences and Patients, Populations and Society: clinical and communication skills.
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 Ulster assesses Years 1 and 2
- Ulster publishes one module per year: Clinical Sciences in Year 1 and Medicine (the Transition Year) in Year 2. We found no public exam names, so we use the plain labels End of Year 1 exams and End of Year 2 exams.
- Assessment is aligned to the three domains of the GMC's Outcomes for Graduates: professional values and behaviours, professional skills and professional knowledge.
- Ulster sets the official exam 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
The later years are clinical.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Ulster University or its School of Medicine. Only the year and theme names are Ulster's. Ulster does not publish a topic list, so the units and article grouping are ours. Some articles sit in more than one unit, so the unit counts add up to more than 356. Always check your official course materials. Last updated October 2026.
