Curriculum Overview
The Physiotherapy program at Nims University Jaipur is structured over 8 semesters, ensuring a progressive and comprehensive learning experience. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in basic sciences, followed by specialized clinical training and research exposure.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PHYS-101 | Human Anatomy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHYS-102 | Human Physiology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHYS-103 | Biochemistry | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHYS-104 | Pathology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHYS-105 | Psychology | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | PHYS-106 | Ethics in Healthcare | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | PHYS-107 | Human Development | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 2 | PHYS-201 | Musculoskeletal Systems | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS-101, PHYS-102 |
| 2 | PHYS-202 | Neurological Disorders | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS-102 |
| 2 | PHYS-203 | Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS-102 |
| 2 | PHYS-204 | Pharmacology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | PHYS-205 | Biomechanics | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS-101, PHYS-102 |
| 2 | PHYS-206 | Exercise Physiology | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 2 | PHYS-207 | Dissection Lab | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 3 | PHYS-301 | Sports Medicine | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS-201, PHYS-202 |
| 3 | PHYS-302 | Pediatric Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS-101, PHYS-102 |
| 3 | PHYS-303 | Geriatric Care | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS-201, PHYS-202 |
| 3 | PHYS-304 | Cardiac Rehabilitation | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS-203 |
| 3 | PHYS-305 | Manual Therapy Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | PHYS-306 | Therapeutic Modalities | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | PHYS-307 | Clinical Rotations | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 4 | PHYS-401 | Advanced Biomechanics | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS-205 |
| 4 | PHYS-402 | Neuroplasticity and Stroke Recovery | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS-202 |
| 4 | PHYS-403 | Respiratory Care Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS-203 |
| 4 | PHYS-404 | Research Methodology | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 4 | PHYS-405 | Evidence-Based Practice | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 4 | PHYS-406 | Clinical Internship | 0-0-6-3 | - |
| 5 | PHYS-501 | Research Project | 0-0-9-4 | PHYS-404, PHYS-405 |
| 5 | PHYS-502 | Specialized Track Electives | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | PHYS-503 | Advanced Clinical Practice | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 6 | PHYS-601 | Capstone Thesis | 0-0-9-4 | PHYS-501 |
| 6 | PHYS-602 | Professional Development | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 6 | PHYS-603 | Industry Collaboration Project | 0-0-9-3 | - |
| 7 | PHYS-701 | Internship in Healthcare Setting | 0-0-12-4 | - |
| 7 | PHYS-702 | Advanced Specialization | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 8 | PHYS-801 | Final Year Project | 0-0-12-4 | PHYS-601 |
| 8 | PHYS-802 | Capstone Presentation | 0-0-3-1 | - |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
Advanced departmental electives are designed to deepen students' understanding of specialized areas within physiotherapy. These courses allow students to explore emerging trends and cutting-edge practices in the field.
Neuroplasticity and Stroke Recovery: This course delves into the mechanisms of brain plasticity and its implications for stroke rehabilitation. Students learn about neuroimaging techniques, cognitive assessment methods, and intervention strategies tailored to promote recovery after neurological events. The course includes laboratory sessions involving EEG and fMRI analysis.
Advanced Biomechanics: Building upon foundational biomechanical principles, this course explores complex movement patterns and injury prevention strategies. Students study gait analysis, joint mechanics, and exercise prescription for different populations. Practical components involve motion capture systems and force plate testing.
Respiratory Care Techniques: This elective focuses on managing respiratory disorders using physiotherapy interventions. Topics include pulmonary function testing, bronchodilator therapy, and mechanical ventilation support. Students gain hands-on experience with ventilator settings and respiratory equipment.
Manual Therapy Techniques: Designed to enhance clinical skills, this course teaches advanced manual techniques for joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, and trigger point release. Emphasis is placed on safety protocols, patient assessment, and treatment planning based on individual needs.
Research Methodology: This course introduces students to the fundamentals of scientific inquiry in healthcare. Students learn to formulate research questions, design studies, collect data, and interpret results. The curriculum covers statistical analysis, literature review techniques, and ethical considerations in research.
Evidence-Based Practice: This elective equips students with tools to critically evaluate existing research and apply findings to clinical practice. Students engage in systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and quality improvement projects. The course emphasizes the integration of best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences.
Geriatric Rehabilitation: This course addresses the unique needs of older adults undergoing rehabilitation. Topics include age-related changes in body systems, fall prevention strategies, cognitive impairment management, and mobility enhancement techniques. Students participate in simulations involving elderly patients with complex comorbidities.
Pediatric Physiotherapy: Focused on child development and growth, this course covers developmental milestones, movement disorders, and therapeutic interventions for children with disabilities. Students gain experience working with infants, toddlers, and school-aged children in both clinical and community settings.
Sports Medicine: This elective prepares students to work with athletes across various sports disciplines. Topics include injury prevention, acute care protocols, rehabilitation strategies, and performance enhancement techniques. Students observe live sports events and participate in practical sessions with professional trainers.
Therapeutic Modalities: This course explores the use of physical agents such as heat, cold, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound in physiotherapy practice. Students learn to select appropriate modalities based on patient conditions, understand contraindications, and monitor effectiveness during treatment sessions.
Community Health Programs: Designed for students interested in public health, this course examines how physiotherapy interventions can be scaled up for community-wide impact. Topics include program design, implementation challenges, evaluation metrics, and collaboration with local organizations.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department's philosophy on project-based learning emphasizes experiential education that bridges theory and practice. Students engage in both individual and group projects throughout their academic journey, culminating in a capstone thesis or final-year project.
The mini-projects begin in the third year, where students select a topic related to a specific area of interest under faculty guidance. These projects typically involve literature reviews, data collection, and preliminary analysis. Students present their findings to peers and mentors, receiving feedback that helps refine their approach.
The final-year thesis is a significant component of the curriculum, requiring students to conduct original research or implement a comprehensive clinical intervention. Projects are selected based on student interests, faculty expertise, and current gaps in knowledge within the field. Each student is paired with a faculty advisor who provides ongoing support and supervision.
Evaluation criteria for projects include research quality, methodology, clarity of presentation, adherence to ethical standards, and potential impact on clinical practice. Students are expected to submit written reports, deliver oral presentations, and defend their work before a panel of experts.
Faculty mentors play a crucial role in guiding students through the project process. They provide feedback on research design, assist with data interpretation, and connect students with relevant resources and networks. This mentorship model ensures that students develop both technical skills and professional relationships essential for career success.