especially in the third year of the Bachelor’s programme, individual specialisation (compulsory elective module structure). Promotion of academic skills through courses offered alongside preparation of the thesis, in which the principles of academic work are conveyed. A strong link between degree programme and teaching, especially in the field of Master’s programmes, some with an international focus. A fast-track doctoral programme is available to qualified students.

Numerous international academics are active in the department. This includes individual academic lectures and also longer research and teaching visits in the department (examples: Liebig Professorship). There are also research associations such as the Collaborative Research Centre "Perception" and internationally oriented DFG Priority Programmes and international DFG Graduate Programmes. The department supports the participation of students in ERASMUS programmes and works to build partnerships with other universities abroad.

The department has outstanding infrastructure (workshop: precision engineering, printing facilities, electrical technology, 3D printer and more). The Bender Institute for Neuroscience (BION) is also affiliated with the latest 3 Tesla magnetic resonance tomography devices. The department has a biochemical, molecular genetics lab in which, for example, the concentrations of hormones, neurotransmitters and genetic parameters (SNPs, VNTR etc.) can be measured (also by students). Numerous eye-trackers and a laboratory for spatial orientation (virtual reality) are also available.

Major joint projects: The field of ‘Perception and Action’ was identified not only as a field of human medicine but also as a focus for university-wide research. The Collaborative Research Centre/Transregio 135 is located here, as are other EU-funded research projects and IRTG 1901: ‘The Brain in Action’ (International Research Training Group) as an international postgraduate school. There are collaborative projects as well, particularly with the University of Marburg. According to the German Research Foundation (DFG) Funding Atlas (2020), the field of psychology in Giessen has taken third place nationwide.

The department is actively involved in the ‘StartMiup’ initiative and endeavours to provide advice and networking in the context of the start-up and the strategy it entails.

Postgraduate training: Psychological psychotherapy - focus on behavioural therapy; Child and adolescent psychotherapy (VT); Area training in neuropsychology under development; Area training under development for targeted psychotherapy of pain