Curriculum Overview
The physiotherapy curriculum at Lok Jagruti Kendra University Ahmedabad is meticulously designed to provide a solid foundation in basic sciences followed by specialized training in clinical practice, research methodologies, and professional development. The program spans eight semesters over four years, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience through laboratory sessions, clinical rotations, and hands-on projects.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PHY101 | Human Anatomy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHY102 | Human Physiology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHY103 | Biochemistry | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHY104 | Microbiology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHY105 | Biomechanics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHY106 | Basic Clinical Skills | 0-0-4-2 | - |
| 2 | PHY201 | Kinesiology | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101, PHY102 |
| 2 | PHY202 | Pathophysiology | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101, PHY102 |
| 2 | PHY203 | Manual Therapy Techniques | 0-0-4-2 | PHY106 |
| 2 | PHY204 | Diagnostic Imaging for Physiotherapists | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101, PHY102 |
| 2 | PHY205 | Exercise Physiology | 3-0-0-3 | PHY102 |
| 2 | PHY206 | Research Methodology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | PHY301 | Neurological Rehabilitation | 3-0-0-3 | PHY201, PHY202 |
| 3 | PHY302 | Musculoskeletal Disorders | 3-0-0-3 | PHY201, PHY202 |
| 3 | PHY303 | Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation | 3-0-0-3 | PHY202 |
| 3 | PHY304 | Pediatric Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHY201, PHY202 |
| 3 | PHY305 | Geriatric Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHY202 |
| 3 | PHY306 | Clinical Rotation I | 0-0-8-4 | PHY201, PHY202 |
| 4 | PHY401 | Advanced Sports Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHY302 |
| 4 | PHY402 | Aquatic Therapy and Hydrotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHY302 |
| 4 | PHY403 | Community Health Promotion | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | PHY404 | Ethics and Professional Practice | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | PHY405 | Research Project I | 0-0-6-3 | PHY206 |
| 4 | PHY406 | Clinical Rotation II | 0-0-8-4 | PHY306 |
| 5 | PHY501 | Advanced Neurological Rehabilitation | 3-0-0-3 | PHY301 |
| 5 | PHY502 | Complex Musculoskeletal Conditions | 3-0-0-3 | PHY302 |
| 5 | PHY503 | Research Project II | 0-0-6-3 | PHY405 |
| 5 | PHY504 | Professional Development Workshop | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | PHY505 | Clinical Rotation III | 0-0-8-4 | PHY406 |
| 6 | PHY601 | Specialized Topics in Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 6 | PHY602 | Clinical Rotation IV | 0-0-8-4 | PHY505 |
| 6 | PHY603 | Capstone Project | 0-0-12-6 | PHY503 |
| 6 | PHY604 | Internship | 0-0-8-4 | - |
| 7 | PHY701 | Capstone Project Defense | 0-0-4-2 | PHY603 |
| 7 | PHY702 | Thesis Writing and Publication | 3-0-0-3 | PHY503 |
| 7 | PHY703 | Final Internship | 0-0-8-4 | - |
| 8 | PHY801 | Professional Portfolio Development | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 8 | PHY802 | Graduation Ceremony and Alumni Engagement | 0-0-4-2 | - |
Advanced Departmental Electives
Several advanced departmental electives are offered to provide deeper insights into specialized areas of physiotherapy. These courses are designed to equip students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills necessary for addressing complex clinical scenarios.
- Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Rehabilitation: This course explores how the brain adapts after injury and how physiotherapists can utilize neuroplasticity principles to enhance recovery outcomes in patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia. Students will learn about various assessment tools and intervention strategies used in cognitive rehabilitation.
- Robotic-Assisted Therapy: Focused on the integration of robotics technology in physical therapy, this elective introduces students to robotic systems designed for gait training, upper limb rehabilitation, and motor learning. Students will gain hands-on experience with devices such as Lokomat, ArmeoSpring, and other advanced robotic platforms.
- Virtual Reality in Rehabilitation: This course investigates the application of virtual reality (VR) technology in physiotherapy settings. It covers VR-based interventions for balance training, motor learning, pain management, and cognitive rehabilitation. Students will explore immersive environments and interactive software used in clinical practice.
- Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES): Functional electrical stimulation is a technique that uses electrical impulses to activate muscles and improve function in patients with paralysis or muscle weakness. This elective provides an in-depth understanding of FES mechanisms, device selection, and programming protocols for various conditions.
- Pain Management Techniques: This course addresses the multifaceted nature of chronic pain and equips students with advanced strategies for managing pain through physical therapy modalities. Topics include nociception pathways, pharmacological adjuncts, manual therapy techniques, and psychological approaches to pain management.
- Evidence-Based Practice in Physiotherapy: Emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence in clinical decision-making, this course teaches students how to critically appraise research literature, apply findings to patient care, and integrate best practices into their therapeutic approach.
- Health Informatics and Telemedicine: As digital health becomes increasingly important, this elective focuses on the use of electronic health records, telehealth platforms, and mobile applications in delivering physiotherapy services. Students will learn how to leverage technology for remote monitoring and patient engagement.
- Leadership in Healthcare Settings: Designed to prepare students for leadership roles in healthcare organizations, this course explores management principles, team dynamics, quality improvement initiatives, and ethical decision-making in clinical environments.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department's philosophy on project-based learning centers around experiential education that bridges theory and practice. Students are encouraged to engage in research projects, community outreach programs, and collaborative endeavors that reflect real-world challenges in physiotherapy.
Mini-projects begin in the second year and involve small teams of students working under faculty supervision to address specific clinical problems or research questions. These projects typically span several weeks and require students to conduct literature reviews, collect data, analyze results, and present findings to their peers.
The final-year capstone project represents a culmination of all learning experiences and requires students to develop an independent research proposal, execute it in collaboration with a faculty mentor, and defend their work before a panel of experts. This process fosters critical thinking, creativity, and professional maturity.
Project selection is guided by student interests, faculty expertise, and current trends in the field. Faculty mentors are assigned based on alignment between project goals and their areas of specialization, ensuring high-quality guidance throughout the research journey.