Curriculum Overview
The physiotherapy curriculum at Ram Krishna Dharmarth Foundation Rkdf University Ranchi is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field, from foundational sciences to advanced clinical applications. The program spans four years, with each year building upon the previous one to ensure a progressive learning experience.
First Year
The first year focuses on building a strong foundation in basic sciences, including human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology. Students are also introduced to the principles of physical therapy through interactive lectures, laboratory sessions, and case studies. This foundational year also includes an orientation to the healthcare system, ethical considerations, and professional communication skills.
Second Year
During the second year, students delve deeper into the core subjects of physiotherapy, such as biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroanatomy, and therapeutic exercise. They begin to explore clinical applications through simulated patient encounters and laboratory experiments. The third year introduces students to specialized areas of physiotherapy, including pediatric physiotherapy, geriatric care, sports injury rehabilitation, and neurological disorders.
Third Year
The third year is dedicated to clinical rotations, where students gain hands-on experience in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community health clinics. This year also includes advanced coursework in specialized areas of physiotherapy, preparing students for their final year projects and capstone research.
Fourth Year
The fourth year is dedicated to advanced specialization and capstone projects. Students choose from various tracks such as pediatric physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation, neuro-rehabilitation, and community health. They work closely with faculty mentors on research projects, contributing to the body of knowledge in their chosen area.
Course Structure
Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | PHYS101 | Human Anatomy | 3-0-0-3 | None |
1 | PHYS102 | Human Physiology | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS101 |
1 | PHYS103 | Biochemistry | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS101 |
1 | PHYS104 | Microbiology | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS101 |
1 | PHYS105 | Introduction to Physiotherapy | 2-0-0-2 | None |
2 | PHYS201 | Biomechanics | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS101, PHYS102 |
2 | PHYS202 | Kinesiology | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS101, PHYS102 |
2 | PHYS203 | Neuroanatomy | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS101 |
2 | PHYS204 | Therapeutic Exercise | 2-0-0-2 | PHYS101 |
2 | PHYS205 | Basic Clinical Skills | 2-0-0-2 | PHYS101 |
3 | PHYS301 | Pediatric Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS201, PHYS202 |
3 | PHYS302 | Geriatric Care | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS201, PHYS202 |
3 | PHYS303 | Sports Injury Rehabilitation | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS201, PHYS202 |
3 | PHYS304 | Neurological Disorders | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS201, PHYS202 |
3 | PHYS305 | Community Health Physiotherapy | 2-0-0-2 | PHYS201, PHYS202 |
4 | PHYS401 | Manual Therapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS301, PHYS302 |
4 | PHYS402 | Aquatic Therapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS301, PHYS302 |
4 | PHYS403 | Pain Management | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS301, PHYS302 |
4 | PHYS404 | Orthopedic Rehabilitation | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS301, PHYS302 |
4 | PHYS405 | Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS301, PHYS302 |
5 | PHYS501 | Advanced Clinical Skills | 2-0-0-2 | PHYS401, PHYS402 |
5 | PHYS502 | Research Methodology | 2-0-0-2 | PHYS401, PHYS402 |
5 | PHYS503 | Specialized Elective I | 2-0-0-2 | PHYS401, PHYS402 |
5 | PHYS504 | Specialized Elective II | 2-0-0-2 | PHYS401, PHYS402 |
5 | PHYS505 | Clinical Rotation I | 4-0-0-4 | PHYS401, PHYS402 |
6 | PHYS601 | Specialized Elective III | 2-0-0-2 | PHYS501, PHYS502 |
6 | PHYS602 | Specialized Elective IV | 2-0-0-2 | PHYS501, PHYS502 |
6 | PHYS603 | Clinical Rotation II | 4-0-0-4 | PHYS501, PHYS502 |
6 | PHYS604 | Mini Project | 2-0-0-2 | PHYS501, PHYS502 |
7 | PHYS701 | Capstone Project | 4-0-0-4 | PHYS601, PHYS602 |
7 | PHYS702 | Advanced Research | 2-0-0-2 | PHYS601, PHYS602 |
7 | PHYS703 | Internship | 4-0-0-4 | PHYS601, PHYS602 |
8 | PHYS801 | Final Thesis | 4-0-0-4 | PHYS701, PHYS702 |
8 | PHYS802 | Professional Development | 2-0-0-2 | PHYS701, PHYS702 |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
The advanced departmental elective courses offered in the Physiotherapy program are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and skills in specific areas of the field. These courses are taught by leading experts in their respective domains and offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Pediatric Physiotherapy
This course focuses on the development and rehabilitation of children with physical disabilities. Students learn about child development, developmental disorders, and age-appropriate therapeutic techniques. The course includes hands-on training in play-based therapy, gross and fine motor development, and communication skills.
Geriatric Care
This course addresses the health and wellness of elderly patients. Students learn about age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and balance disorders. The course also covers the principles of geriatric assessment, fall prevention, and community-based care.
Sports Injury Rehabilitation
This course prepares students to work with athletes and individuals recovering from sports-related injuries. It covers topics such as sports medicine, injury prevention, performance enhancement, and rehabilitation protocols for various sports. Students also learn about sports nutrition and mental preparation.
Neurological Disorders
This course deals with patients suffering from neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson's disease. Students learn advanced techniques for motor recovery, cognitive rehabilitation, and adaptive strategies. The course includes exposure to neuroimaging techniques and neuroplasticity principles.
Community Health Physiotherapy
This course emphasizes preventive care and health promotion in underserved populations. Students learn about public health principles, community outreach, and health education strategies. The course also covers the role of physiotherapists in maternal and child health programs.
Manual Therapy
This course focuses on hands-on techniques for treating musculoskeletal conditions. Students learn about joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, and advanced assessment methods. The course also covers the principles of manual therapy and its integration with other treatment modalities.
Aquatic Therapy
This course uses water-based exercises for rehabilitation. Students learn about hydrotherapy principles, water safety, and specialized equipment used in aquatic therapy. The course also covers the physiological effects of water on the body and its application in treating various conditions.
Pain Management
This course addresses chronic pain conditions using various physiotherapy techniques. Students learn about pharmacology, pain assessment, and multimodal treatment approaches. The course also covers the role of physiotherapy in pain management and its integration with other healthcare disciplines.
Orthopedic Rehabilitation
This course focuses on musculoskeletal injuries and surgical recovery. Students learn about joint replacement, fracture management, and post-operative rehabilitation. The course also covers the principles of orthopedic assessment and the role of physiotherapy in orthopedic care.
Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
This course deals with patients with heart and lung conditions. Students learn about respiratory mechanics, cardiac rehabilitation, and pulmonary function tests. The course also covers the principles of cardiopulmonary assessment and the role of physiotherapy in managing these conditions.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department's philosophy on project-based learning is rooted in the belief that students learn best when they are actively engaged in solving real-world problems. This approach encourages critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among students. The program emphasizes the development of research skills and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
Mini Projects
Mini projects are assigned in the third and fourth semesters, allowing students to explore specific areas of interest within the field of physiotherapy. These projects are typically small-scale research initiatives or case studies that require students to design, implement, and evaluate a specific intervention or treatment approach. The projects are supervised by faculty mentors and provide students with an opportunity to develop their research and analytical skills.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The final-year thesis or capstone project is a comprehensive research endeavor that allows students to demonstrate their mastery of the field. Students work closely with faculty mentors to select a topic, conduct a literature review, design a research methodology, and present their findings. The project typically involves data collection, analysis, and interpretation, culminating in a written thesis and oral presentation.
Project Selection and Faculty Mentorship
Students are encouraged to select projects that align with their interests and career goals. The department provides a list of potential research topics, and students can also propose their own ideas. Faculty mentors are assigned based on the project topic and the mentor's expertise. The mentorship process is designed to provide students with guidance, support, and feedback throughout the project development and execution phases.