Neuropsychology is concerned with understanding how brain function relates to human perception, cognition and behavior. One main branch of neuropsychology follows a basic research approach with the goal of describing and understanding perceptual, cognitive and action-related phenomena in the light of brain structure and function. This kind of research often involves methods and techniques from experimental psychology (e.g. psychophysics, eye-tracking) and neuroscience (e.g. fMRI, EEG). Another important branch of neuropsychology, commonly referred to as clinical neuropsychology, investigates how brain damage (e.g. stroke, traumatic brain injury) affects brain functions (e.g. visual perception, attention, memory). A central endeavor of clinical neuropsychological work is to apply research insights with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of people with brain damage and associated functional deficits (e.g. neglect, hemianopia, aphasia). For this purpose, clinicians frequently employ specific screening instruments (e.g. questionnaires) and test procedures (e.g. attention or memory tests). Against this background, the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools and procedures constitutes another relevant aspect of clinical neuropsychology.
Our work at the chair of Neuropsychology & Biological Psychology covers a broad spectrum of neuropsychological topics. This applies to both research and teaching. On the one hand, we investigate basic aspects of perception and motor action in healthy individuals using various methods (e.g. psychophysics, eye-tracking, video-based movement analysis, grip force measurement). Here, we are particularly interested in visual perception and attention, the mechanisms underlying the planning and programming of goal-directed eye and hand movements, as well as the relationship between perception and action. This interest in basic research questions is also reflected in our teaching content. A second main line of our research is dedicated to the investigation of perception and motor behavior in clinical samples (e.g. neglect, hemianopia). Related to this research, we work toward designing and evaluating new diagnostic instruments and intervention approaches. A transfer between research and clinical practice is made possible through the affiliated neuropsychological outpatient clinic (Neuropsychologische Hochschulambulanz), which deals with the diagnosis and therapy of deficits in people with brain damage. In line with this clinical research focus, applied and clinical topics represent another cornerstone of our teaching.
The Chair of Neuropsychology & Biological Psychology currently teaches in the following study programs:
- Bachelor’s Program Psychology (Major)
- Psychology (Minor)
- Master’s Program Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (KLIPPT)
- Master’s Program Neuro-Cognitive Psychology (NCP)
Information on the individual courses can be found in the online course catalog.
Final Projects
In recent years, interested and committed students and young scientists have conducted a series of diverse studies as part of their final theses (bachelor's and master's theses) and are currently working on various neuropsychological research topics.
Here you will find information on current thesis topics and contact persons.
The available projects for final theses are currently being updated and will appear here on the website shortly. If you have any questions in advance, please feel free to contact Frederic Göhringer, our contact person for bachelor's and master's theses.
Examination Review
No exam review is planned at this time.
Internships
Various voluntary and compulsory internships can be completed in the working group. If you are interested, please contact the secretariat.