Psychology - focus on neuropsychology Master of Science at SRH Hochschule Heidelberg

Focus on neuropsychology

Neuropsychology deals with the relationships between cognitive performance (such as perception, attention, executive control, memory, language) and their underlying neuronal processes. The focus subject neuropsychology conveys in-depth knowledge and methodological knowledge in the field of cognitive and clinical neurosciences. The research and application-oriented focuscombines experimental psychological and clinical neuropsychological approaches with modern neuroscientific methods. Students gain insight into the central content areas and research methods of neuropsychology, functional neuroanatomy, imaging techniques in brain research, and electrophysiological procedures (EEG & EKP).

Contents, goals and course of study

The overarching goal of the in-depth application is the ability to successfully use neuroscientific methods such as electroencephalogram (EEG), imaging methods (fMRI) and computational modeling in the areas of basic research, diagnostics and application. In addition, the application deepens the knowledge of the neuropsychological basis of cognitive abilities of humans. The students critically examine the possibilities and limits of the various neuroscientific methods. Students have the opportunity to get to know and practice the neuroscientific methods using the example of concrete examinations. In addition, they acquire basic programming knowledge and techniques of computational modeling. Extensive, modern laboratory equipment is available for research and teaching. This includes a modern gaze measurement system, a state-of-the-art laboratory for carrying out EEG experiments and access to functional imaging.

In addition, the students learn about the neuropsychological disorders, the neuropsychological diagnostics and adequate therapy procedures in connection with neuropsychological diseases. Students learn about factors that are associated with an increased risk of developing a disease that leads to a neuropsychological disorder (e.g. dementia). In addition, different measures and approaches to prevention are taught from a special neuropsychological perspective (e.g. physical and mental activities, eating habits, dealing with stress and addictive substances), some of which also aim to preventively strengthen cognitive abilities (e.g. working memory training).

In addition, the students get an overview of various forms of counseling and coaching from a special neuropsychological perspective, such as: B. Family counseling, advice to people and institutions, supervision and training. Another focus is on rehabilitation counseling and the control of rehabilitation processes. In addition, basic concepts of neuropsychotherapy are taught.

The Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region is one of the centers of neuroscientific research in Europe. There is an excellent network in research and teaching with a large number of renowned neuroscientific and clinically oriented institutions. These include the "Central Institute for Mental Health" in Mannheim, the "Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg" and the "Network Aging Research" in Heidelberg. This gives students of our specialization the opportunity to carry out their project and master's theses in an interdisciplinary manner and to join a doctorate in cooperation with one of these institutions.

Career, prospects

Focus on neuropsychology

Neuropsychologists can pursue careers in the following areas and fields:

• Activities in research and teaching at colleges and universities
• Work in companies in the field of life sciences, e.g. pharmacy, cognitive ergonomics, human-machine interaction
• Independent clinical neuropsychologist in his own practice
• Clinical neuropsychologist (psychiatric clinics, psychosomatic facilities, rehabilitation)
• Legal psychology (criminal psychology, forensic psychology)
• Employment in psychological counseling (coaching)
• Activities in the field of health prevention and health promotion
• Medical and occupational rehabilitation Health advice in companies and organizations
• Medical journalistic area of ​​business coaching and consulting