Warwick Medical School Phase 1 Cheat Sheet
Warwick's graduate-entry Phase 1 is Year 1: Welcome Week and five blocks taught through case-based learning (small groups working through patient cases). Find your block, open the articles, revise.
- 3 terms
- 12 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by Warwick Medical School. About this page
Year 1, Term 1
Block formativesWelcome Week (Block 0)
15 articles
The shared starting point: cells and genes, DNA, RNA and proteins, movement across membranes, osmosis, cell signalling and action potentials.
Cell Physiology and Biology
- Introduction to the Cell
- Biological Membranes
- Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Membrane Potentials
- Action Potentials
- Introduction to DNA
- Structure of Proteins
- The Cell Cycle, Checkpoints and Apoptosis
From other subjects
- Control of Plasma Osmolarity
- Gene Expression
- Mitosis and Meiosis
- Anatomical Terms
- How to Read a Histology Slide
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics
Health, Metabolism and Homeostasis (Block 1)
69 articles
How the body fuels itself and keeps its internal balance, through metabolism, hormones, digestion and the kidneys.
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
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
Pharmacology
- Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
- Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
- Antiemetics and Laxatives
- Pharmacology of Insulin
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Metabolism, Endocrinology, Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System
Blood, Lungs and Heart (Block 2)
55 articles
Blood and its disorders, the heart and circulation, then breathing, with the common diseases and drugs of each system, plus immunity.
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
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
Pathology
Pharmacology
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hyperlipidaemias
- Pharmacology of Airway Control
Infection
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Haematology, Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System
Year 1, Term 2
Block formativesBrain and Behaviour (Block 3)
52 articles
The nervous system from neurons to behaviour: the brain, cranial nerves, senses and the head and neck, plus the psychiatric conditions and drugs that act on it.
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)
Pharmacology
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Anaesthetics
- Opioids
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck
Locomotion (Block 4)
44 articles
Bones, joints, muscles and the nerves of the limbs and spine, learnt through common injuries and conditions such as arthritis.
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
Year 1, Term 3
End of Year 1 examsReproduction and Child Health (Block 5)
44 articles
Reproduction from gametes to birth and the menopause, plus development, genetics, newborn screening, childhood health and the male urological topics.
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
Genetics
- Genetic Testing and Counselling
- Epigenetics, Genomic Imprinting and Mitochondrial Inheritance
- Genotype, Phenotype, and Inheritance
Urinary System
From other subjects
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Embryological Development of the CVS
- Haemoglobinopathies
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Development of the Respiratory System
- Development of the Head and Neck
- Development of the Nervous System
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology, Genetics
Throughout Year 1
Cell and Tissue Biomedicine (CTB)
79 articles
The science theme: physiology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, nutrition, histology and pathology, taught in workshops.
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
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
Immunology
- Food Allergy
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immunological Therapies
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
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
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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Pathology, Immunology, Infection
Clinical Anatomy and Imaging (CAI)
31 articles
The structures behind the clinical cases, linked to each block.
Musculoskeletal System
- Anatomical Terms
- Basics of Bone Anatomy
- Key Areas of the Upper Limb
- Key Areas of the Lower Limb
- Dermatomes and Myotomes
- The Spine
- Joints
- Structure of the Muscles
- Muscles in Action
- The Brachial Plexus
- The Lumbar Plexus
- The Sacral Plexus
Gastrointestinal System
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Foregut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Midgut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Hindgut
- Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Canal
Reproductive System
Head and Neck
- Introduction to Head & Neck Anatomy
- The Skull
- Imaging of the Head and Neck
- Fascial Planes, Muscles and Triangles
Embryology
From other subjects
- Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
- Anatomy of the Respiratory System
- Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
- Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Arterial Supply to the Brain
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Head and Neck, Embryology
Pharmacology, Prescribing and Therapeutics
28 articles
How drugs act and move through the body, the main drug classes by system and the principles of safe prescribing.
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
Social and Population Perspectives
13 articles
Health across populations: epidemiology, evidence, statistics, health economics, patient safety and how beliefs and behaviour shape 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
Community Learning
11 articles
Meeting patients in community settings, and the long-term conditions and life stages you see there, from ageing and falls to palliative care.
Patient-Centred Care
- Ageing
- Child Immunisations
- Child Safeguarding
- Falls
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Men's Health
- Palliative Care
- Sepsis in Paediatrics
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
Clinical and Communication Skills
50 articles
History taking and examination. These OSCE guides cover 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
How Warwick assesses Phase 1
- Each block ends with a formative assessment (a check that guides your learning). The summative exams (the ones that determine whether you progress) come at the end of Year 1, so every block below is examined in the same pair of End of Year 1 exams.
- The End of Year 1 Written Examination is online: two 120-minute papers over two days, mixing short answer and multiple choice questions. It carries 35% of the module (MD10X-120).
- The End of Year 1 Clinical Examination is an OSCE, also 35%. The other 30% is coursework, which we understand includes the Phase 1 engagement criteria (Warwick lists the module as 30% coursework and 70% exam).
- Warwick publishes the official dates and formats; weightings have changed between years, so 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 (Year 2) opens with an academic block (classroom teaching that eases the move from Year 1 to the wards), then moves to clinical placements.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Warwick Medical School or the University of Warwick. Block and theme names follow Warwick's published course pages. Warwick does not publish topic lists by block, so the grouping of articles into blocks is ours. An article can appear under more than one unit, so the unit counts add up to more than the total of 356 articles, which counts each article once. Always check your official course materials. Last updated October 2026.
