Curriculum Overview
The Physiotherapy program at Malla Reddy University is structured over four years, with each year building upon the foundational knowledge and practical skills required for professional practice. The curriculum is designed to integrate theoretical understanding with clinical application through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, case studies, and internships.
Year 1
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS101 | Human Anatomy | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| PHYS102 | Physiology | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| PHYS103 | Biochemistry | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| PHYS104 | Pathology | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| PHYS105 | Biomechanics | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| PHYS106 | Kinesiology | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| PHYS107 | Introduction to Physiotherapy | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| PHYS108 | Communication Skills for Healthcare Professionals | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| PHYS109 | Basic Laboratory Techniques | 0-0-3-2 | None |
| PHYS110 | Introduction to Research Methodology | 2-0-0-2 | None |
Year 2
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS201 | Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology | 3-1-0-4 | Human Anatomy, Physiology |
| PHYS202 | Pharmacology | 3-1-0-4 | Biochemistry |
| PHYS203 | Research and Statistics | 2-0-0-3 | Introduction to Research Methodology |
| PHYS204 | Manual Therapy Techniques | 2-0-0-3 | Human Anatomy, Biomechanics |
| PHYS205 | Exercise Physiology | 3-1-0-4 | Physiology, Biochemistry |
| PHYS206 | Clinical Assessment and Evaluation | 2-0-0-3 | Human Anatomy, Physiology |
| PHYS207 | Electrotherapy and Physical Agents | 2-0-0-3 | Biomechanics, Pharmacology |
| PHYS208 | Psychology for Healthcare Professionals | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| PHYS209 | Basic Clinical Rotation | 0-0-3-2 | Introduction to Physiotherapy |
| PHYS210 | Professional Ethics and Legal Aspects in Healthcare | 2-0-0-2 | None |
Year 3
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS301 | Orthopedic Physiotherapy | 3-1-0-4 | Clinical Assessment, Biomechanics |
| PHYS302 | Neuro-Rehabilitation | 3-1-0-4 | Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology |
| PHYS303 | Pediatric Physiotherapy | 3-1-0-4 | Human Anatomy, Kinesiology |
| PHYS304 | Geriatric Physiotherapy | 3-1-0-4 | Human Anatomy, Physiology |
| PHYS305 | Cardiac Rehabilitation | 3-1-0-4 | Physiology, Pharmacology |
| PHYS306 | Respiratory Physiotherapy | 3-1-0-4 | Physiology, Biochemistry |
| PHYS307 | Women's Health Physiotherapy | 3-1-0-4 | Human Anatomy, Physiology |
| PHYS308 | Manual Therapy and Manipulation Techniques | 2-0-0-3 | Manual Therapy Techniques |
| PHYS309 | Advanced Clinical Rotation | 0-0-3-2 | Basic Clinical Rotation |
| PHYS310 | Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 2-0-0-3 | Research and Statistics, Clinical Assessment |
Year 4
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS401 | Capstone Project in Physiotherapy | 0-0-6-4 | Advanced Clinical Rotation, Clinical Research |
| PHYS402 | Specialized Electives I | 3-1-0-4 | Core Specializations |
| PHYS403 | Specialized Electives II | 3-1-0-4 | Core Specializations |
| PHYS404 | Specialized Electives III | 3-1-0-4 | Core Specializations |
| PHYS405 | Internship in Healthcare Settings | 0-0-6-4 | Advanced Clinical Rotation, Capstone Project |
| PHYS406 | Thesis Writing and Presentation Skills | 2-0-0-2 | Clinical Research, Evidence-Based Practice |
| PHYS407 | Final Capstone Project Defense | 0-0-3-2 | Capstone Project, Thesis Writing |
| PHYS408 | Professional Development Workshop | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| PHYS409 | Healthcare Entrepreneurship | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| PHYS410 | Graduation Ceremony Preparation | 0-0-2-1 | None |
Advanced Departmental Electives
These courses are offered in the third and fourth years to deepen students' understanding of specific areas within physiotherapy:
- Advanced Biomechanics and Motor Learning: This course explores complex biomechanical principles, motor control theories, and their applications in rehabilitation. Students analyze movement patterns using motion capture systems and understand how motor learning influences recovery processes.
- Neuroplasticity and Functional Recovery: This elective focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying recovery after brain injury. It covers neuroimaging techniques, cognitive rehabilitation strategies, and emerging therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
- Robotics in Rehabilitation: Students learn about robotic-assisted devices used in therapy, including exoskeletons, robotic arms, and balance training systems. The course includes hands-on lab sessions and collaborative projects with engineering students.
- Clinical Decision Making in Complex Cases: This advanced course teaches students how to formulate diagnostic and treatment plans for complex patients with comorbidities. It involves case-based learning, multidisciplinary team discussions, and ethical considerations.
- Global Health Perspectives in Physiotherapy: This course provides insights into physiotherapy practices in different cultural contexts. Students explore disparities in healthcare access, international policies, and cross-cultural communication strategies.
- Occupational Therapy Integration: Designed to enhance collaboration between physiotherapists and occupational therapists, this course covers joint treatment approaches for patients with disabilities and shared assessment tools.
- Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: As healthcare becomes increasingly digital, this course introduces students to telemedicine platforms, wearable sensors, and remote monitoring technologies used in physiotherapy practice.
- Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Settings: Students learn how to critically appraise research literature, apply findings to clinical decisions, and contribute to evidence-based guidelines through systematic reviews.
- Healthcare Informatics and Data Analysis: This course equips students with skills in data management, statistical analysis, and electronic health records (EHR) systems. It includes practical workshops on using software like SPSS and R for analyzing patient outcomes.
- Clinical Leadership and Management: This elective prepares students for leadership roles by teaching project management, resource allocation, quality assurance, and team building in healthcare settings.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department strongly believes in project-based learning as a means to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Projects are designed to simulate real-world challenges faced by physiotherapists, encouraging students to think critically, work collaboratively, and develop innovative solutions.
Mini-Projects
Mini-projects are undertaken during the second and third years of the program. These projects typically last 2-3 months and involve small teams working on specific clinical issues or research questions. Examples include:
- Developing a home exercise program for stroke survivors
- Designing a screening protocol for musculoskeletal disorders in office workers
- Creating educational materials for diabetic foot care
Mini-projects are evaluated based on presentation quality, peer feedback, and faculty assessment. Students must submit written reports detailing their methodology, findings, and implications.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The final-year capstone project is a comprehensive research or clinical initiative that spans the entire fourth year. Students are assigned mentors from the faculty based on their area of interest. The process includes:
- Selecting a relevant topic with mentor approval
- Conducting literature review and preliminary research
- Designing and executing the study or intervention
- Analyzing data and drawing conclusions
- Preparing a final report and presenting findings to faculty panel
The thesis must be original, well-documented, and demonstrate mastery of scientific inquiry and clinical application. Successful completion earns students credit toward graduation and often leads to publication opportunities or further academic pursuits.