Course Schedule and Structure
The physiotherapy program at Driems University Cuttack is structured over eight semesters, providing a comprehensive foundation followed by specialization in later years.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PHY101 | Human Anatomy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHY102 | Basic Physiology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHY103 | Introduction to Physical Therapy | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | PHY104 | Biomechanics Fundamentals | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHY105 | Psychology of Health and Illness | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | PHY106 | Physical Assessment Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHY107 | Basic Laboratory Skills | 2-0-2-2 | - |
| 2 | PHY201 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101, PHY102 |
| 2 | PHY202 | Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101, PHY102 |
| 2 | PHY203 | Pathophysiology | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101, PHY102 |
| 2 | PHY204 | Exercise Physiology | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101, PHY102 |
| 2 | PHY205 | Clinical Reasoning I | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 2 | PHY206 | Manual Therapy Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101, PHY104 |
| 2 | PHY207 | Research Methodology | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 3 | PHY301 | Orthopedic Physiotherapy I | 3-0-0-3 | PHY201, PHY202, PHY203 |
| 3 | PHY302 | Neurological Physiotherapy I | 3-0-0-3 | PHY201, PHY202, PHY203 |
| 3 | PHY303 | Cardiac Rehabilitation | 3-0-0-3 | PHY201, PHY202, PHY203 |
| 3 | PHY304 | Pediatric Physiotherapy I | 3-0-0-3 | PHY201, PHY202, PHY203 |
| 3 | PHY305 | Clinical Reasoning II | 2-0-0-2 | PHY205 |
| 3 | PHY306 | Biomechanical Assessment Tools | 3-0-0-3 | PHY104, PHY204 |
| 3 | PHY307 | Advanced Laboratory Practice | 2-0-2-2 | PHY107, PHY206 |
| 4 | PHY401 | Orthopedic Physiotherapy II | 3-0-0-3 | PHY301 |
| 4 | PHY402 | Neurological Physiotherapy II | 3-0-0-3 | PHY302 |
| 4 | PHY403 | Pulmonary Rehabilitation | 3-0-0-3 | PHY303 |
| 4 | PHY404 | Pediatric Physiotherapy II | 3-0-0-3 | PHY304 |
| 4 | PHY405 | Geriatric Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | PHY406 | Women's Health Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | PHY407 | Research Internship I | 2-0-0-2 | PHY207 |
| 5 | PHY501 | Advanced Orthopedic Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | PHY401 |
| 5 | PHY502 | Neurological Rehabilitation | 3-0-0-3 | PHY402 |
| 5 | PHY503 | Clinical Supervision and Management | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | PHY504 | Manual Therapy & Manipulation | 3-0-0-3 | PHY206, PHY306 |
| 5 | PHY505 | Research Internship II | 2-0-0-2 | PHY407 |
| 5 | PHY506 | Specialized Electives I | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 5 | PHY507 | Professional Ethics in Healthcare | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 6 | PHY601 | Advanced Sports Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHY501, PHY502 |
| 6 | PHY602 | Ergonomics and Occupational Health | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 6 | PHY603 | Community Health and Outreach Programs | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 6 | PHY604 | Research Internship III | 2-0-0-2 | PHY505 |
| 6 | PHY605 | Specialized Electives II | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 6 | PHY606 | Case Study Analysis | 2-0-0-2 | PHY503, PHY504 |
| 7 | PHY701 | Thesis Proposal Development | 3-0-0-3 | PHY604 |
| 7 | PHY702 | Advanced Thesis Research | 4-0-0-4 | PHY701 |
| 7 | PHY703 | Capstone Project I | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 8 | PHY801 | Thesis Final Presentation | 2-0-0-2 | PHY702 |
| 8 | PHY802 | Capstone Project II | 3-0-0-3 | PHY703 |
| 8 | PHY803 | Internship in Clinical Settings | 4-0-0-4 | - |
Detailed Course Descriptions
Here are detailed descriptions of advanced departmental elective courses:
- Advanced Neuromuscular Assessment: This course delves into the complex evaluation of neuromuscular conditions using advanced diagnostic tools such as EMG, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography. Students learn to interpret these tests accurately and correlate findings with clinical presentations.
- Motor Learning and Recovery: Focuses on understanding how motor skills are acquired and retained, particularly in the context of rehabilitation following neurological disorders. The course covers theories of motor learning and their application in therapeutic settings.
- Clinical Management of Stroke Patients: Provides comprehensive training on managing stroke patients across different stages of recovery. Students gain experience in assessing functional abilities, planning interventions, and evaluating outcomes using standardized assessment tools.
- Pediatric Developmental Disorders: Explores the unique challenges faced by children with developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. The course emphasizes early intervention strategies and long-term management approaches.
- Geriatric Rehabilitation Techniques: Covers specialized techniques used in rehabilitating elderly patients with age-related conditions including osteoporosis, arthritis, and cognitive decline. Students learn to adapt treatment plans based on physiological changes associated with aging.
- Women's Health Physiotherapy: Focuses on addressing reproductive health issues, pelvic floor dysfunction, postpartum recovery, and menopause-related concerns in women. The course includes practical components involving patient counseling and hands-on assessment techniques.
- Ergonomics and Occupational Health: Teaches students to evaluate workplace environments for potential injury risks and implement ergonomic solutions. The course integrates principles of biomechanics, physiology, and occupational safety to improve worker health and productivity.
- Manual Therapy & Manipulation: Provides in-depth training in various manual therapy techniques including mobilization, manipulation, soft tissue work, and joint mobilization. Students practice these skills under supervision and learn to integrate them into comprehensive treatment plans.
- Research Internship I: Offers students the opportunity to engage in research projects under faculty mentorship. The course focuses on developing research proposals, conducting literature reviews, and implementing small-scale investigations in clinical or laboratory settings.
- Community Health and Outreach Programs: Encourages students to design and implement community-based health initiatives. This includes planning educational workshops, conducting screenings, and promoting preventive care strategies tailored to specific populations.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department strongly advocates for a project-based learning approach that enhances critical thinking and practical application of knowledge. Students are encouraged to engage in both individual and group projects throughout their academic journey.
Mini-projects are assigned during the second and third years, allowing students to explore specific topics in depth and apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios. These projects often involve collaboration with local healthcare providers or research institutions.
The final-year thesis/capstone project is a significant component of the program. Students select a topic relevant to their area of interest and conduct an independent study under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The project must demonstrate originality, relevance, and scholarly rigor.
Project selection involves a combination of student interest, faculty expertise, and availability of resources. Students are guided through the entire process from proposal development to final presentation, ensuring they gain valuable experience in research methodology, data analysis, and scientific communication.