PDF (1941) - CaltechCampusPubs

STUDY AND RESEARCH AT THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE 109
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
The William G. Kerckhoff Laboratories of the Biological Sciences
consist of two units, erected in 1928 and 1938, respectively. These
provide research laboratories, undergraduate laboratories, private
research rooms, several lecture rooms, seminar rooms, shops, and a
large library which is a memorial to Mr. William G. Kerckhoff for
his generous gift to the Institute.
Adjacent to the campus there is a laboratory for plant physiology,
with two greenhouses. Here is special equipment allowing for the
exact control of temperature, light, and humidity that is necessary
for much of the research in this field.
At Arcadia, about five miles from the Institute, there is a ten-acre
farm, with greenhouse and laboratory, for work in plant genetics.
At Corona del Mar there is a marine laboratory. The building contains
four large rooms and several smaller ones which give ample opportunity
for research work in experimental biology in general. The
proximity of the marine station to Pasadena (about 50 miles) makes
it possible to supply the biological laboratories with living materials
for research and teaching. The fauna at Corona del Mar and at
Laguna Beach, which is near-by, is exceptionally rich and varied, and
is easily accessible.
INSTRUCTION AND RESEARCH
The undergraduate option is designed to give the student an understanding
of the outlines of modern Biology, especially on the physiological
side. The course serves as a basis for graduate study leading
to an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.), or for admission to medical
school.
The graduate work is chiefly in the fields of biochemistry, bioorganic
chemistry, biophysics, animal physiology, plant physiology,
genetics, and embryology. These subjects are grouped in a single
division, rather than in the traditionally separate ones (Botany,
Zoology, etc.) , in order to encourage the cooperation of investigators
with different backgrounds and methods of attack, and in the hope
that general and fundamental properties common to animals and
plants may be emphasized and studied.