Andy Niemiec joined Kenyon's faculty in 1994, having previously served as an NIH Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Michigan Medical School. He specializes in comparative perception and cognition. His teaching and research interests fall into the general areas of sensory neuroscience, comparative sensory/perceptual processing and animal behavior and cognition.
The ultimate goal of this type of research is to understand how the brain makes sense of the stimulation an organism receives from its environment and to answer questions such as: How do humans and animals perceive their world? What are the similarities and differences between humans' and other animals' perceptions? What are the effects of various sensory specializations on an organism's perception of its world? How does an organism's perception of its world affect its behavior?
Recently, Niemiec has been expanding his research into other areas of animal behavior including the study of animal communication systems and emotion…
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Andy Niemiec joined Kenyon's faculty in 1994, having previously served as an NIH Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Michigan Medical School. He specializes in comparative perception and cognition. His teaching and research interests fall into the general areas of sensory neuroscience, comparative sensory/perceptual processing and animal behavior and cognition.
The ultimate goal of this type of research is to understand how the brain makes sense of the stimulation an organism receives from its environment and to answer questions such as: How do humans and animals perceive their world? What are the similarities and differences between humans' and other animals' perceptions? What are the effects of various sensory specializations on an organism's perception of its world? How does an organism's perception of its world affect its behavior?
Recently, Niemiec has been expanding his research into other areas of animal behavior including the study of animal communication systems and emotion. This research attempts to determine what sorts of information animals share, the advantages and disadvantages of sharing information, as well as whether the types of emotions animals display parallel human emotions. For example, what does play behavior in dogs tell us about the function of play in human adults and children? Do animals experience joy? Are there better ways of measuring anxiety in animals so that better anti-anxiety drugs can be developed for humans?
Taken as a whole, these types of studies provide information about the similarities and differences with which various species (including our own) experience the world, allowing us to examine human behavior in a larger, more biological and evolutionary context.
Areas of Expertise
Sensory neuroscience, animal behavior, comparative perception and sensation.
Education
1991 — Doctor of Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago
1989 — Master of Arts from Loyola University Chicago
1984 — Bachelor of Science from Loyola University Chicago
Courses Recently Taught
NEUR 112
Introduction to Neuroscience
NEUR 112
This course begins with a definition of neuroscience as an interdisciplinary field, in the context of the philosophy of science. Consistent with this view, a number of faculty members from various departments are responsible for giving lectures and leading discussions throughout the semester. After covering the basics of cellular neurophysiology, the course examines the development and organization of the human nervous system in terms of sensory, motor, motivational, emotional, and cognitive processes. The neurological and biochemical bases of various brain and behavioral disorders are also examined. This course can be used as a substitute for the PSYC 101 prerequisite for all advanced-level psychology courses listed for the neuroscience concentration. However, this course does not count towards Natural Sciences diversification. No prerequisites.
NEUR 212
Neuroscience
NEUR 212
This course begins with a definition of neuroscience as an interdisciplinary field, in the context of the philosophy of science. After covering the basics of cellular neurophysiology, the course examines the development and organization of the human nervous system in terms of sensory, motor, motivational, emotional and cognitive processes. The neurological and biochemical bases of various brain and behavioral disorders also are examined. It is strongly recommended that BIOL 115 or 116 is taken as a prerequisite or corequisite or have an AP score of 5 in biology. No prerequisite.
NEUR 250
Research Design & Analysis in Neuroscience
NEUR 250
This course introduces students to the basic experimental design and data analysis approaches used when conducting research in neuroscience. It will provide you with an understanding of the ways in which neuroscientists design studies, analyze data and communicate the results of their investigations of the brain and its relationship to behavior. You will be exposed to the style and language of scientific writing through reading and critiquing primary sources of scientific information. We will also discuss ethical considerations in using human and non-human research subjects, the appropriate use of common parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, effective graphical representation of data, and factors that affect the analysis and interpretation of data such as small sample size, reliability, statistical rigor and chance. Prerequisite: NEUR 212 or permission of instructor.
NEUR 275
Animal Cognition
NEUR 275
Can ants count? Can gorillas "converse" about the past or the future? Do crows use tools? Can dogs read human faces to detect our mood or follow our gaze for guidance or direction? These are the types of questions we will be considering in this seminar on animal cognition. We will examine how various cognitive abilities evolved in non-human animals and the purpose these abilities serve in their lives. Additionally, we will explore the implications of animal cognition for our own cognitive abilities. General topics we will discuss include memory, learning, conceptual abilities, spatial cognition, numerical competence, planning, social intelligence, communication and language, animal culture, and self awareness and theory of mind in non-human animals. This course can be used as an elective towards the neuroscience major or concentration. This course can be used in conjunction with another NEUR course to fulfill the natural science distribution requirement. No prerequisite.
NEUR 291
ST: Animal Cognition
NEUR 291
NEUR 302
Neuroethology and Comparative Psychology
NEUR 302
Until Darwin published his theory of evolution, it was commonly accepted that a huge gulf exists between human and nonhuman animals. In this course we will examine human and animal behavior and mental activity from an evolutionary perspective — that is, from a perspective in which humans are part of the continuum of life forms that inhabit the planet. We will consider the notion that, in contrast to the usual anthropocentric view of behavior and mental processes, many of the same evolutionary, ecological and biological principles explain both human and animal behavior. Prerequisite: NEUR 112/212 or PSYC 100 and 150. This course is offered at least every other year.
NEUR 307
Sensation and Perception
NEUR 307
This course focuses on the ways in which the brain gathers, processes and interprets information from the external environment in order to construct an internal representation that the organism perceives to be "reality." The goal is to provide students with an understanding of the evolution, structure and function of various sensory systems as well as an understanding of how the brain interprets incoming sensations and turns them into perceptions that allow organisms to act on their environment. Prerequisite: NEUR 112/212 or PSYC 100 or 110 and 150. Generally offered every year.
NEUR 307
Sensory Processes
NEUR 307
This course focuses on the ways in which the brain gathers, processes and interprets information from the external environment in order to construct an internal representation that the organism perceives to be "reality." The goal is to provide students with an understanding of the evolution, structure and function of various sensory systems as well as an understanding of how the brain interprets incoming sensations and turns them into perceptions that allow organisms to act on their environment. Prerequisite: NEUR 112/212 or PSYC 100 or 110 and 150. Generally offered every year.
NEUR 385
Research in Neuroscience
NEUR 385
This combined discussion and laboratory course aims to develop abilities for asking sound research questions, designing reasonable scientific approaches to answer such questions, and performing experiments to test both the design and the question. We consider how to assess difficulties and limitations in experimental strategies due to design, equipment, system selected, and so on. The course provides a detailed understanding of selected modern research equipment. Students select their own research problems in consultation with one or more neuroscience faculty members. This course is designed both for those who plan to undertake honors research in their senior year and for those who are not doing honors but who want some practical research experience. A student can begin the research in either semester. If a year of credit is earned, it may be applied toward the research methods course requirement for the major in neuroscience. This course is repeatable for up to 1.50 units of credit. Prerequisite: BIOL 109Y–110Y, NEUR 112/212, and permission of instructor.
NEUR 406
Research Methods in Sensory Processes
NEUR 406
This methods course teaches students the skills necessary for conducting research in sensation and perception. It will give students first-hand experience with a number of concepts and measurement techniques as well as an understanding of the ways in which sensory neuroscientists investigate how the brain gathers, processes, and interprets information from the external environment to construct an internal representation of reality. Students will learn to design experiments; collect, analyze and present data using computer software packages; and write a scientific paper. Prerequisite: NEUR 112/212 or PSYC 200 and prerequisite or corequisite in either PSYC 301, NEUR 305 or 307 and permission of instructor. Generally offered every other year.
NEUR 471
Topics in Neuroscience
NEUR 471
This capstone seminar is required of all students who plan to graduate with a neuroscience concentration or major. The seminar is intended to bring together the knowledge acquired from courses required for, or relevant to, the concentration and major. During the course of the semester, each student will write an integrative paper with the assistance of the instructor. Oral presentations are given in conjunction with each of these exercises. Prerequisite: NEUR 212, junior standing and completion of two of the three required basic science courses for the concentration.
NEUR 493
Individual Study
NEUR 493
Students conduct independent research under the supervision of one of the faculty members affiliated with the Neuroscience Program. This course is restricted to juniors or seniors who are neuroscience majors or have taken (or are concurrently enrolled in) courses required for the neuroscience concentration. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and neuroscience director, along with demonstrated special interest. Because students must enroll for individual studies by the end of the seventh class day of each semester, they should begin discussion of the proposed individual study preferably the semester before, so that there is time to devise the proposal and seek departmental approval before the registrar’s deadline.
PSYC 101
Introduction to Psychology: Basic Processes
PSYC 101
Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. In this introductory course, which is a prerequisite for all of the other psychology courses, you will explore a variety of areas in which psychologists conduct research, and you will learn about the process of conducting research. For example, you will study the biological foundations of behavior, sensory and perceptual processes, cognition, and learning and memory. The course is for first-year students and sophomores. Multiple sections are offered every fall semester.
PSYC 302
Comparative Psychology
PSYC 302
Comparative psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes of organisms, including humans. Until Darwin published his theory of evolution, it was commonly accepted that a huge gulf exists between human and nonhuman animals. In this course we will examine human and animal behavior and mental activity from an evolutionary perspective, that is, from a perspective in which humans are part of the continuum of life forms that inhabit the planet. We will consider the notion that, in contrast to the usual anthropocentric view of behavior and mental processes, many of the same evolutionary and ecological principles explain both human and animal behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or NEUR 112 or PSYC 100 and PSYC 150. This course is offered at least every other year.
PSYC 307
Sensation and Perception
PSYC 307
This course focuses on the ways in which the brain gathers, processes, and interprets information from the external environment in order to construct an internal representation that the organism perceives to be "reality." The goal is to provide students with an understanding of the evolution, structure, and function of various sensory systems as well as an understanding of how the brain interprets incoming sensations and turns them into perceptions that allow organisms to act on their environment. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or NEUR 112 or PSYC 100 and PSYC 150. This course is typically offered every year.
PSYC 401
Research Methods: Biopsychology
PSYC 401
This methods course teaches students the skills necessary for conducting research in biopsychology and neuroscience. It will give students first-hand experience with a number of concepts and measurement techniques as well as an understanding of the ways in which biopsychologists investigate the brain and its relationship to behavior. Students will learn to design experiments; collect, analyze, and present data using computer software packages; and write a scientific paper. Prerequisites: NEUR 112 or PSYC 200 as well as permission of the instructor. Offered as our schedule permits.
PSYC 450
Advanced Research in Psychology Laboratory
PSYC 450
Students conducting advanced research in psychology will work with a faculty member and possibly a small group of students to conduct research in the faculty member’s research area. Students will critically analyze published research in the topic area and collect, analyze and write reports on data they have collected with a small group of students. Students will be expected to work independently and collaboratively and the course will emphasize effective written and oral communication. Students who enroll in two semesters of advanced research on a particular topic can substitute this experience for a research methods course on that topic (e.g., two semesters of advanced research in personality counts the same as the one-semester research methods in personality course). This course is offered only on a credit/no credit basis. When taken for two semesters, this counts toward the advanced research requirement for the major. Prerequisite: PSYC 150, 250, related intermediate level study and permission of instructor.
PSYC 493
Individual Study
PSYC 493
Individual study in psychology allows students the opportunity to pursue research on a topic of special interest. The course is designed in consultation with a faculty mentor. The level of credit can range from 0.25 to 0.5 unit of credit and students may take more than one semester of individual study. Typically, only juniors or seniors may pursue this option. To enroll, a student must first identify a member of the psychology department who is willing to mentor the project. The student must give the department chair a written description of the project, including the nature of the proposed work and a list of references. The project should include reading and reviewing scientific literature and will likely entail a research project in which original data are collected. The student and faculty member are expected to meet, on average, once a week. The final project will likely be a paper written in the style of the American Psychological Association. Additional assignments may be required as well — for example, a public presentation. The amount of work required for the individual study should approximate that required of other 300-level psychology courses. It is possible for students to pursue a group project but more work will be expected for the completed project, and each student will write her or his own individual paper. Because students must enroll for individual studies by the end of the seventh class day of each semester, they should begin discussion of the proposed individual study preferably the semester before, so that there is time to devise the proposal and seek departmental approval before the registrar’s deadline.
PSYC 497Y
Senior Honors
PSYC 497Y
This is a program for senior candidates for honors in psychology, culminating in a senior honors thesis. The course will consist of a research project in some area of psychology. A student who wishes to conduct an honors project must meet each of the following three criteria: (1) the student must have a GPA of 3.5 in psychology and an overall GPA of 3.3; (2) the student must have participated in a Psychology Department-approved research experience (which might be research in a research methods course, independent study or summer lab work); and (3) the student must have completed a minimum of 4 units in psychology and have taken the appropriate core courses for the proposal before the senior year.
PSYC 498Y
Senior Honors
PSYC 498Y
See the course description for PSYC 497Y.