Curriculum Overview
The physiotherapy curriculum at Akal University Bathinda is structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive educational experience that blends scientific rigor with practical application. The program spans four years, divided into eight semesters, each designed to build upon previous knowledge while introducing new concepts and skills essential for professional practice.
Year One: Foundations of Physiotherapy
The first year establishes a strong foundation in the sciences relevant to physiotherapy. Students study anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, and psychology. The curriculum also includes basic clinical exposure through simulated patient scenarios and laboratory sessions that emphasize hands-on learning.
Year Two: Core Principles
In the second year, students delve deeper into therapeutic sciences, including pathophysiology, pharmacology, and diagnostic techniques. Clinical reasoning becomes a central focus, with students learning to assess patients and formulate treatment plans based on evidence-based practices. This phase also introduces research methodologies and data analysis tools.
Year Three: Specialization & Practice
The third year marks the transition from academic study to practical application. Students rotate through various clinical departments including orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, and cardiology. They are exposed to real patient cases and begin developing their professional identity as clinicians.
Year Four: Leadership & Innovation
The final year is dedicated to leadership development, capstone projects, and advanced research initiatives. Students work closely with faculty mentors on independent studies or collaborative research projects that contribute to the field of physiotherapy.
| Year | Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | PHY101 | Introduction to Human Anatomy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHY102 | Basic Physiology | 3-0-0-3 | - | |
| I | 2 | PHY103 | Biochemistry for Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101, PHY102 |
| 2 | PHY104 | Psychology of Health and Illness | 3-0-0-3 | - | |
| II | 3 | PHY201 | Pathophysiology | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101, PHY102 |
| 3 | PHY202 | Pharmacology for Physiotherapists | 3-0-0-3 | PHY103 | |
| II | 4 | PHY203 | Diagnostics and Assessment Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101, PHY201 |
| 4 | PHY204 | Research Methodology | 3-0-0-3 | - | |
| III | 5 | PHY301 | Clinical Reasoning in Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHY201, PHY202 |
| 5 | PHY302 | Therapeutic Exercise Science | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101, PHY201 | |
| III | 6 | PHY303 | Musculoskeletal Pathology | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101, PHY201 |
| 6 | PHY304 | Neurological Rehabilitation | 3-0-0-3 | PHY201, PHY202 | |
| IV | 7 | PHY401 | Community Health and Public Policy | 3-0-0-3 | PHY201, PHY204 |
| 7 | PHY402 | Advanced Clinical Practice | 3-0-0-3 | PHY301, PHY302 | |
| IV | 8 | PHY403 | Capstone Project in Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHY301, PHY302, PHY303, PHY304 |
| 8 | PHY404 | Professional Development and Ethics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
Advanced Departmental Electives
The department offers a wide array of advanced elective courses that allow students to tailor their education according to their interests and career goals. These courses are taught by leading experts in the field and incorporate both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Advanced Manual Therapy Techniques
This course explores advanced manual therapy methods used in treating musculoskeletal conditions. Students learn mobilization, manipulation, and soft tissue techniques under supervision. The course includes a significant component on patient assessment and treatment planning.
Clinical Neurology for Physiotherapists
Designed for students interested in neurological rehabilitation, this elective covers the pathophysiology of central nervous system disorders and their impact on movement and function. It includes case studies and practical sessions with actual patients.
Neuroplasticity and Motor Learning
This course investigates how the brain adapts to injury and learns new motor skills. Students examine current research in neurorehabilitation and apply these concepts in designing effective therapeutic interventions.
Geriatric Physiotherapy: Principles and Practice
Focusing on aging populations, this elective provides comprehensive knowledge about age-related changes in physical function, fall prevention strategies, and interventions aimed at maintaining independence and quality of life in older adults.
Pediatric Physiotherapy: Developmental and Functional Considerations
This course addresses the unique challenges faced by children with developmental delays, congenital anomalies, or chronic conditions. It emphasizes play-based therapy techniques and family-centered care models.
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
Students learn to design and implement rehabilitation programs for individuals with heart and lung diseases. The course covers exercise physiology, breathing techniques, and strategies for improving functional capacity in patients undergoing cardiac or pulmonary treatment.
Women's Health Physiotherapy
This elective focuses on pelvic floor dysfunction, postnatal recovery, menopause-related symptoms, and reproductive health issues. It combines anatomy, physiology, and psychology to provide holistic care for women across the lifespan.
Research Design in Physiotherapy
Designed for students planning to pursue higher education or research careers, this course teaches students how to design studies, collect data, analyze results, and write research papers. It includes hands-on experience with statistical software and literature review techniques.
Telemedicine and Digital Health in Physiotherapy
This innovative elective explores the integration of technology into physiotherapy practice, including remote monitoring, virtual reality tools, and mobile health applications. Students gain exposure to emerging technologies and their potential impact on patient care.
Global Health Perspectives in Rehabilitation
This course broadens students' understanding of rehabilitation challenges in low-resource settings around the world. It includes case studies from different countries, discussions on policy frameworks, and exposure to international organizations working in global health.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
At Akal University Bathinda, project-based learning is central to our approach to physiotherapy education. Projects are structured to mirror real-world challenges and provide students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
Mini-Projects
Throughout the program, students undertake mini-projects that range from literature reviews to small-scale research studies. These projects are typically completed in groups of 3-5 students and must be presented at mid-term and final evaluation sessions.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The capstone project is the culmination of a student's education. Students select a topic relevant to their area of interest, conduct an independent study or research project under faculty supervision, and present their findings in a formal thesis and public defense session.
Evaluation Criteria
Projects are evaluated based on several criteria including originality of approach, depth of research, clarity of presentation, adherence to ethical guidelines, and contribution to the field. Students must demonstrate critical thinking, communication skills, and professionalism throughout their project journey.