Course Structure Overview

The Bachelor of Nursing program at Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University Dharwad is structured over eight semesters, with each semester comprising a combination of core subjects, departmental electives, science electives, and practical laboratory sessions. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing science while also allowing them to specialize in areas of interest. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring that students are well-prepared for clinical practice and professional development.

Advanced Departmental Elective Courses

The Bachelor of Nursing program at Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University Dharwad offers a range of advanced departmental elective courses that allow students to specialize in specific areas of nursing. These courses are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills in specialized fields of nursing practice. The following are some of the advanced elective courses offered:

Advanced Mental Health Nursing

This course focuses on the assessment and management of mental health disorders in various populations. Students learn about psychiatric nursing interventions, therapeutic communication, and the use of evidence-based practices in mental health care. The course also covers the ethical and legal aspects of mental health nursing, including patient rights and confidentiality. Students engage in clinical rotations in psychiatric facilities, gaining hands-on experience in caring for patients with mental health conditions.

Advanced Geriatric Nursing

This elective course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the health needs of older adults. The course covers topics such as aging processes, chronic disease management, and end-of-life care. Students learn about the unique challenges faced by elderly patients and how to provide compassionate, individualized care. Clinical experiences in geriatric facilities allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Advanced Maternal and Child Health Nursing

This course focuses on the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, as well as the care of infants and children. Students learn about maternal and child health nursing interventions, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postnatal care. The course also covers child development, nutrition, and health promotion. Clinical rotations in obstetric and pediatric units provide students with practical experience in maternal and child health care.

Advanced Infection Control

This course emphasizes the prevention and control of infectious diseases in healthcare settings. Students learn about infection control practices, including hand hygiene, sterilization, and isolation protocols. The course also covers the management of outbreaks and the role of nurses in infection prevention. Clinical experiences in infection control units allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Advanced Public Health Nursing

This course focuses on the role of nurses in public health, including community health assessment, health promotion, and disease prevention. Students learn about epidemiology, health policy, and the social determinants of health. The course also covers the use of data to inform public health interventions. Clinical experiences in community health centers allow students to apply their knowledge in public health settings.

Advanced Emergency and Critical Care

This elective course prepares students for the care of critically ill patients in emergency and intensive care settings. Students learn about advanced life support, trauma care, and critical care nursing interventions. The course also covers the use of technology in critical care, including mechanical ventilation and monitoring systems. Clinical rotations in emergency departments and intensive care units provide students with practical experience in critical care nursing.

Advanced Oncology Nursing

This course focuses on the care of patients with cancer, including the assessment and management of cancer-related symptoms and complications. Students learn about cancer treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. The course also covers the psychosocial aspects of cancer care and the role of nurses in supporting patients and families. Clinical experiences in oncology units allow students to apply their knowledge in cancer care settings.

Advanced Community Health Nursing

This course emphasizes the role of nurses in community health, including health promotion, disease prevention, and health education. Students learn about community assessment, health policy, and the social determinants of health. The course also covers the use of data to inform community health interventions. Clinical experiences in community health centers allow students to apply their knowledge in community health settings.

Advanced Nursing Leadership

This course focuses on the leadership and management skills necessary for advanced nursing practice. Students learn about nursing leadership theories, team dynamics, and change management. The course also covers the role of nurses in healthcare policy and advocacy. Clinical experiences in leadership roles allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Advanced Nursing Ethics

This course explores ethical issues in nursing practice, including patient autonomy, informed consent, and end-of-life care. Students learn about ethical decision-making frameworks and the role of nurses in ethical practice. The course also covers the legal aspects of nursing, including patient rights and professional responsibilities. Clinical experiences in ethical dilemmas allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

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 meaningful, real-world projects. This approach allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical problems and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The project-based learning approach is integrated throughout the curriculum, with students engaging in both mini-projects and a final-year thesis or capstone project.

Mini-Projects

Mini-projects are undertaken in the second and third years of the program, allowing students to explore specific areas of interest and develop specialized skills. These projects are typically completed in small groups and are supervised by faculty members. Students are encouraged to choose projects that align with their interests and career goals, and they are supported in developing their research and analytical skills.

Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project

The final-year thesis or capstone project is a significant component of the program, providing students with the opportunity to conduct independent research or a comprehensive clinical study. Students work closely with faculty mentors to develop their projects, which are typically completed over the course of the final semester. The capstone project allows students to demonstrate their mastery of nursing science and their ability to contribute to the field through original research or innovative practice.

Project Selection and Faculty Mentorship

Students select their projects based on their interests and career aspirations, with guidance from faculty mentors. The selection process involves a proposal development phase, where students present their ideas and receive feedback from faculty members. Faculty mentors are assigned based on their expertise and availability, ensuring that students receive appropriate guidance and support throughout their project development.