Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for the Physiotherapy program at Sandip University Nashik is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in human anatomy, physiology, and clinical practice. The program spans eight semesters over four academic years, with each semester consisting of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions.
Course Structure by Semester
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PYS101 | Introduction to Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | PYS102 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4-0-0-4 | None |
| 1 | PYS103 | Basic Biomechanics | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | PYS104 | Human Development and Growth | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 1 | PYS105 | Introduction to Laboratory Techniques | 0-2-0-2 | None |
| 1 | PYS106 | English for Professional Communication | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 2 | PYS201 | Advanced Anatomy and Physiology II | 4-0-0-4 | PYS102 |
| 2 | PYS202 | Biochemistry and Cell Biology | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 2 | PYS203 | Pathology and Pharmacology I | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 2 | PYS204 | Musculoskeletal Anatomy | 3-0-0-3 | PYS102 |
| 2 | PYS205 | Laboratory Session on Anatomy and Physiology | 0-2-0-2 | PYS102, PYS103 |
| 3 | PYS301 | Human Movement Science | 3-0-0-3 | PYS201, PYS204 |
| 3 | PYS302 | Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology | 3-0-0-3 | PYS201 |
| 3 | PYS303 | Pathology and Pharmacology II | 3-0-0-3 | PYS203 |
| 3 | PYS304 | Biomechanics and Kinematics | 3-0-0-3 | PYS103, PYS201 |
| 3 | PYS305 | Laboratory Session on Movement Science | 0-2-0-2 | PYS301, PYS304 |
| 4 | PYS401 | Therapeutic Exercise I | 3-0-0-3 | PYS301, PYS304 |
| 4 | PYS402 | Manual Therapy Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | PYS301, PYS304 |
| 4 | PYS403 | Electrotherapy and Physical Agents | 3-0-0-3 | PYS201, PYS203 |
| 4 | PYS404 | Rehabilitation Principles | 3-0-0-3 | PYS301, PYS302 |
| 4 | PYS405 | Laboratory Session on Therapeutic Modalities | 0-2-0-2 | PYS401, PYS402 |
| 5 | PYS501 | Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy I | 3-0-0-3 | PYS401, PYS402 |
| 5 | PYS502 | Neurological Physiotherapy I | 3-0-0-3 | PYS302, PYS404 |
| 5 | PYS503 | Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PYS303 |
| 5 | PYS504 | Pediatric Physiotherapy I | 3-0-0-3 | PYS104, PYS301 |
| 5 | PYS505 | Laboratory Session on Clinical Applications | 0-2-0-2 | PYS501-PYS504 |
| 6 | PYS601 | Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy II | 3-0-0-3 | PYS501 |
| 6 | PYS602 | Neurological Physiotherapy II | 3-0-0-3 | PYS502 |
| 6 | PYS603 | Geriatric Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PYS104, PYS301 |
| 6 | PYS604 | Sports Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PYS304, PYS501 |
| 6 | PYS605 | Laboratory Session on Advanced Clinical Applications | 0-2-0-2 | PYS601-PYS604 |
| 7 | PYS701 | Community Health and Public Policy | 3-0-0-3 | PYS501, PYS502 |
| 7 | PYS702 | Research Methodology and Statistics | 3-0-0-3 | PYS401, PYS404 |
| 7 | PYS703 | Ethics in Healthcare and Professional Practice | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 7 | PYS704 | Specialized Topics in Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PYS601, PYS602 |
| 7 | PYS705 | Laboratory Session on Research and Development | 0-2-0-2 | PYS702 |
| 8 | PYS801 | Capstone Project I | 4-0-0-4 | All previous semesters |
| 8 | PYS802 | Internship and Clinical Practice | 6-0-0-6 | PYS501-PYS704 |
| 8 | PYS803 | Professional Development and Career Planning | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 8 | PYS804 | Advanced Topics in Specialized Physiotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PYS601, PYS704 |
| 8 | PYS805 | Capstone Project II | 4-0-0-4 | PYS801 |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
Departmental electives form a crucial component of the curriculum, allowing students to specialize in areas of particular interest and develop expertise relevant to their career goals. The following advanced courses provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills in specialized domains of physiotherapy.
Advanced Manual Therapy Techniques
This course focuses on advanced techniques of manual therapy including joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, and mobilization with movement. Students learn to assess and treat complex musculoskeletal conditions using evidence-based approaches. The course emphasizes hands-on practice under supervision, with students developing proficiency in various manual therapy modalities.
Neurorehabilitation and Motor Learning
This advanced course explores the principles of neurorehabilitation, focusing on motor learning and recovery from neurological conditions. Students study neuroplasticity, cognitive rehabilitation techniques, and evidence-based interventions for stroke patients and individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Advanced Exercise Prescription for Chronic Conditions
This elective delves into specialized exercise programming for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure, and arthritis. Students learn to design individualized exercise plans that address specific pathophysiological mechanisms and improve patient outcomes.
Pediatric Neurological Rehabilitation
This course provides in-depth knowledge of neurological conditions affecting children and specialized rehabilitation approaches. Students study developmental disorders, cerebral palsy, and other pediatric neurological conditions with focus on family-centered care and age-appropriate interventions.
Geriatric Rehabilitation and Cognitive Decline
This advanced course addresses the unique challenges of rehabilitation in older adults, focusing on age-related conditions and cognitive decline. Students learn to develop comprehensive care plans that promote independence and quality of life for elderly patients.
Tele-rehabilitation and Digital Health Solutions
This cutting-edge course explores the integration of technology into physiotherapy practice, including tele-rehabilitation platforms, mobile health applications, and digital assessment tools. Students learn to implement remote monitoring and treatment delivery methods that improve access to care.
Research Design and Data Analysis in Physiotherapy
This course equips students with advanced research methodologies and statistical analysis skills specific to physiotherapy research. Students learn to design studies, collect data, analyze results, and interpret findings using appropriate software and techniques.
Advanced Biomechanics of Human Movement
This elective provides in-depth study of biomechanical principles applied to human movement analysis. Students explore advanced topics such as gait analysis, kinematic and kinetic modeling, and the application of biomechanics in clinical decision-making.
Sports Performance and Injury Prevention
This course focuses on the application of physiotherapy principles to sports performance enhancement and injury prevention. Students learn about sports-specific training techniques, injury risk assessment, and rehabilitation protocols for athletes across different disciplines.
Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs
This advanced elective emphasizes the development and implementation of community-based rehabilitation initiatives. Students study public health approaches to healthcare delivery, population health management, and the integration of rehabilitation services in community settings.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department's philosophy on project-based learning is rooted in the belief that active engagement with real-world problems fosters deeper understanding and professional competency. This approach integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for the complexities of clinical practice and research environments.
Mini-Projects Structure
Mini-projects are integrated throughout the curriculum, beginning in the second semester and continuing through the final year. These projects typically span 6-8 weeks and require students to apply knowledge from multiple disciplines to solve specific problems or develop innovative solutions. Each project is designed to address real clinical or research challenges, ensuring relevance to current professional practices.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The capstone project represents the culmination of the student's academic journey and requires them to demonstrate comprehensive understanding and application of knowledge in their chosen area of specialization. The project typically involves a 12-week research or clinical implementation component, where students work under the supervision of faculty mentors with expertise in their selected field.
Project Selection Process
Students select their projects based on their interests, career goals, and available faculty expertise. The selection process involves faculty mentorship sessions, project proposal presentations, and alignment with departmental research priorities and industry needs. Students are encouraged to pursue projects that address current gaps in knowledge or practice.
Evaluation Criteria
Projects are evaluated based on multiple criteria including scientific rigor, clinical relevance, innovation, presentation quality, and professional development. The evaluation process involves peer review, faculty assessment, and external expert consultation to ensure comprehensive feedback and learning outcomes.