Elective Courses

In addition to the regular mandatory courses within the curriculum, the Institute of Medical Psychology, in collaboration with various experts and organizations, offers elective courses for medical students in the following areas.

Perception

Perception is a psychobiological process and is studied in various disciplines. Together with the students, the topic is examined from multiple perspectives. The elective course covers the following topics as examples: mind-body problem, consciousness, psychophysics, vision: optics, retina, visual pathway, cortex, visual field/peripheral vision, brightness and contrast, pattern and objects, crowding, spatial depth, color, visual attention, functional diagnostics, other species, infant vision, aging, cerebral visual impairments, ophthalmological disorders; hearing: sound, pitch, volume, directional hearing. Illusions.

Psychosocial aspects of congenital bleeding tendencies using the example of hemophilia

Hemophilia is an X-linked recessive inherited disorder characterized by a deficiency in clotting factors VIII or IX, resulting in an increased tendency to bleed. Topics covered in this elective course include the medical foundations of the disease, psychosocial aspects of the condition, the role of carriers, the burden on families and siblings, the impact of the disease on the quality of life of affected individuals and their relatives, and hemophilia in older age.

Fundamentals of analytical psychotherapy - Origins, Controversies, and Modern Practice

This interactive event provides an overview of the key concepts in psychodynamic psychopathology (the unconscious, psychic structure, and intrapsychic conflicts, transference and countertransference phenomena). It explores the specificities of clinical work in individual and group settings, as well as the nuances of modern practice, with a focus on intersubjectivity. Diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, and evaluation within the framework of guideline-based psychotherapy will also be briefly outlined. Texts (including published case studies) and videos will serve as stimuli for shared reflections. The seminar will be conducted in German and is particularly suitable for those interested in psychotherapy.

Medicine and LGBTIAQ*

The aim of the seminar is to promote non-discriminatory medicine and provide practical insights into medical fields that directly affect LGBTIAQ* individuals. During the seminar, relevant terms and concepts such as "queer," "inter," "non-binary," and "homosexual" will be clarified, and current topics will be discussed with the students. Additionally, approaches will be presented on how to approach people in a respectful manner when their sexual orientation or gender identity is (still) unknown.

Research Models of Human Disease (elective course in English)

Did you ever wonder how we come to understand the biology behind disease? And where treatments come from?
In this course the student will learn to discuss and critique scientific research articles on basic research aimed at uncovering mechanisms of human disease. With this knowledge, they will be able to develop research questions, and prepare for their own research.