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Biology Department

Biology Course Description By Course Number

Below are a listing of all courses available at the College of Oneonta Biology Department. Not all courses are offered every semester and the Registrar's office should be contacted for availability. The courses listed below are in order of course number, click here for a listing by alphabetical order.

Link to Graduate Courses (500 and 600 level).

BIOL 100 General Biology I

BIOL 101 Plant Biology

BIOL 106 Genetics and Society

BIOL 184 Introduction to Aquatic Biology

BIOL 194 Special Topics

BIOL 199 Independent Study in Biology

BIOL 200 General Biology II

BIOL 201 Introduction to Molecular & Cell Biology

BIOL 202 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

BIOL 203 Elementary Microbiology

BIOL 205 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

BIOL 206 Human Anatomy and Physiology II

BIOL 207 Biology of Cancer

BIOL 212 General Genetics

BIOL 216 Evolution

BIOL 220 Economic Botany

BIOL 236 Vascular Plants

BIOL 242 Invertebrate Zoology

BIOL 244 A Natural History of Insects

BIOL 247 Protozoology

BIOL 250 Natural History of Vertebrates

BIOL 259 Marine Biology

BIOL 282 General Ecology

BIOL 286 Introduction to Environmental Pollution

BIOL 293 Introduction to Biology Teaching Assistantship

BIOL 294 Special Topics

BIOL 295 Biology Teaching Assistantship

BIOL 298 Undergraduate Seminar

BIOL 299 Independent Study in Biology

BIOL 311 Human Genetics

BIOL 315 Laboratory Techniques in Biology

BIOL 316 Interpreting Biology and Nature

BIOL 333 Ecology of Rocky Mountain Regions

BIOL 338 Coastal Ecology in Northeastern North America

BIOL 340 Molecular Biology

BIOL 350 Immunology

BIOL 356 Animal Behavior

BIOL 362 Microbiology

BIOL 367 Aquatic Pollution

BIOL 370 General Physiology

BIOL 373 Plant Growth and Development

BIOL 380 Cell Biology

BIOL 381 Plant Ecology

BIOL 383 Wetlands & Delineation

BIOL 384 Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology

BIOL 385 Limnology

BIOL 386 Seminar in Conservation Biology

BIOL 388 Stream Ecology

BIOL 394 Special Topics

BIOL 395 Biology Teaching Assistantship

BIOL 397 Internship in Biology

BIOL 398 Undergraduate Seminar

BIOL 399 Independent Study in Biology

INTD 214 Aggression in Man and Animals

Notes

BIOL 100 General Biology I 3 s.h.

Acquaints students with fundamental biological concepts and illustrates the application of these principles to everyday life. Emphasizes the relationship of human biology to evolution, the environment, health, and biotechnology. Lecture and laboratory.
(LA, NL, T)

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BIOL 101 Plant Biology 3 s.h.

Develops biological principles. through study of plants. Topics include plant structure, classification, growth, reproduction, genetics, and ecology. No major field credit for biology majors.
(LA, N, T)

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BIOL 106 Genetics and Society 3 s.h.

Acquaints non biology majors with fundamentals of genetics, genetic disease due to single genes, polygenes, abnormal chromosomes. New genetic technology considered and its application for human welfare. No laboratory. No major filed credit for biology majors.
(LA, IM, NSB, T)

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BIOL 184 Introduction to Aquatic Biology 3 s.h.

The ecology and general biology of freshwater environments, with emphasis on benthic invertebrates and life histories of aquatic species. Usually for high school students.
(LA)
Prerequisite.- NYS Regents Biology or equivalent.

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BIOL 194 Special Topics 1-4 s.h.

Experiences of variable length and subject matter offered on- or off campus, or at the Biological Field Station. Cost-s shared by students.
(LA)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

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BIOL 199 Independent Study in Biology 1-6 s.h.

Under the guidance of faculty members, students pursue projects that do not fit within framework of regular course offerings. Open to students doing work at the freshman level. Applicability of LA credit determined when project is identified.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

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BIOL 200 General Biology II 4 s.h.

(Previously BIOL 105) Covers structure and function of plants, especially flowering plants, including anatomy, morphology, physiology, evolution, and life histories. Also studies the major groups of animals emphasizing "type" animals in each phylum. Classical principles are presented in a case history approach. Representatives of the major phyla are studied using both the microscope and dissection techniques. Lecture and laboratory.
(LA, NL, T)

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BIOL 201 Introduction to Molecular & Cell Biology 3 s.h.

(Previously BIOL 211) Lecture provides an introduction to biological models and their roles in carrying out cell functions. Key cellular processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, assembly of proteins, and cell division are presented. The laboratory uses modern techniques to study enzyme action, to grow and observe living cells, and to analyze cell structures.
(LA)
Prerequisite: BIOL 100 or 105.

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BIOL 202 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology 3 s.h.

This lecture course is designed to introduce students to the structure, organization, and functioning of the human organism. Some diseases and injuries will be described. Recent brain research and its impact on child development will be discussed. No major field credit for Biology majors.
(LA)
Prerequisite: BIOL 100.

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BIOL 203 Elementary Microbiology 3 s.h.

Designed for non biology majors. Topics include cell forms, nutrition, growth, reproduction, genetics, infection, immunity, environmental microbiology, and food microbiology. No major field credit for biology majors.
(LA, CW, NL)
Prerequisites: high school biology and CHEM 101, or 111 and 112.

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BIOL 205 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 s.h.

This course provides an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems are studied during lecture and laboratory sessions. Designed for students in health professions, but open to others. To receive credit for BIOL 205 in the major field, the sequel course BIOL 206 must also be taken.
(LA)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105 and CHEM 111.

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BIOL 206 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 s.h.

This course is a continuation of BIOL 205. The cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems are covered in lecture and laboratory sessions. Designed for students in health professions, but open to others.
(LA)
Prerequisite-: BIOL 105, BIOL 205, and CHEM 111.

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BIOL 207 Biology of Cancer 3 s.h.

Examination of the environmental causes of cancer, the underlying genetic and cellular changes that lead to a cancer diagnosis, and new strategies for treatments.
(LA)
Prerequisite: BIOL 100

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BIOL 212 General Genetics 3 s.h.

Broad coverage of genetics from the classical period through recent molecular genetics; discussion of nature, transmission, arrangement, and function of genetic material. Recombinant DNA technology. Laboratories require out of class time.
(LA)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105.

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BIOL 216 Evolution 3 s.h.
Fundamentals of organic evolution, emphasizing natural selection, competition, speciation, variation, genetics, and human evolution.
(LA)
Prerequisites: BIOL 105.

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BIOL 220 Economic Botany 3 s.h.

Study of plants that are economics Important to people, including plants that are sources of food, fibers, medicines, gums, insecticides, etc.
(LA, CW)
Prerequisite: BIOL IO 1 or BIOL 105

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BIOL 236 Vascular Plants 3 s.h.

Identification and classification of vascular plants emphasizing family characteristics. Major Pteridophyte, Gymnosperm, and Angiosperm families are studied in lecture and laboratory formats.
(LA)
Prerequisite - BIOL 105.

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BIOL 242 Invertebrate Zoology 3 s.h.

The anatomy and functional morphology of invertebrate phyla; natural history of forms found locally. Emphasizes field experiences. Costs shared by students.
(LA, CW)
Prerequisites: BIOL 105

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BIOL 244 A Natural History of Insects 4 s.h.

A biology of insects including their natural history, anatomy and functional morphology. Classification and ecology of forms found locally. Preparation of collections; field and laboratory experiences; Term paper required.
(LA)
Prerequisite: 6 s.h. of biology

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BIOL 247 Protozoology 3 s.h.

An introduction to the study of the Protozoa, this course will investigate the structure, function, taxonomy, and ecology of both free living and symbiotic protozoa. Methods of collection, cultivation, preservation, staining, and observation will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of those protozoa which cause disease in man or his domestic animals. It is designed as an elective course for biology majors and students in the health sciences.
(LA)
Prerequisite.- BIOL 105.

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BIOL 250 Natural History of Vertebrates 3 s.h.

The biology of vertebrate animals, including evolution, classification, and behavior of all major classes. Laboratories stress structural features, while field trips emphasize ecology, behavior, and identification of local forms. Three mandatory all day Saturday field trips.
(LA)
Prerequisite - BIOL 105.

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BIOL 259 Marine Biology 3 s.h.

The ecology and general biology of the marine biota. Stresses life histories and trophic relationships, adaptations for marine life, and limitations imposed by marine environments.
(LA)
Prerequisite - BIOL 105 or OCEA 210.

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BIOL 282 General Ecology 3 s.h.

Interrelations between organisms and their environments at the population, community, and ecosystem levels; laboratory and field exercises cover population dynamics, productivity, and community structure in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
(LA, I.E., T)
Prerequisites: BIOL 105.

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BIOL 286 Introduction to Environmental Pollution 3 s.h.

A survey of environmental pollution for non biology majors. Covers major pollution types and impacts on plant, animals, and non living components of the environment.
(LA, I.E., T)
Prerequisites - high school biology and 3 s.h. in college science.

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BIOL 293 Introduction to Biology Teaching Assistantship1 s.h.

Introduction to educational theories and instructional strategies appropriae to college level biology instruction. Issues of grading, confidentiality, respect, and leadership will be addressed. Including practicum of basic presentation skills.
Prerequisites - Two College at Oneonta biology courses.
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BIOL 294 Special Topics 1-4 s.h.

One to two week experiences in regional biology offered off campus or at the Biological Field Station. Content varies. Students may enroll in several topics, but no more than 4 s.h. may be applied to the biology major and then only for "nonspecific� Costs shared by students.
(LA)
Prerequisites - BI0L 100, l05, and permission of instructor.

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BIOL 295 Biology Teaching Assistantship 3 s.h.

Provides college level experience in teaching, laboratory design and preparation. Student works directly under the instructor(s) of the course selected for the experience, and will be assigned special readings or teaching projects related to teaching that particular subject. Depending on relevancy, a student may expect to teach selected topics tutor, grade labs, set up and dismantle labs, work in greenhouse, animal room, prep room, or outdoors as agreed upon the beginning of the semester by the student and mentor. Course may be repeated to earn a maximum of 6 s.h. of BIOL 295/395 credit. Three credits may apply towards any biology elective category. Pass/fail option
Prerequisites - Minimum GPA 2.5, permission of instructor and chair, and one College at Oneonta biology course.

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BIOL 298 Undergraduate Seminar 1-4 s.h.

Reports, discussions, lectures, and library research on current topics in specific fields of science. Cannot apply more than 2 s.h. of seminar to biology elective requirement.
(LA)
Prerequisites.- 3 s.h. BIOL and permission of instructor.

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BIOL 299 Independent Study in Biology 1-6 s.h.

Under the guidance of faculty members, students pursue projects that do not fit within the framework of regular biology course offerings.- Open to students at the upper undergraduate and graduate levels. Cannot apply more than 3 s.h. to biology elective requirement. Cannot count as botany or zoology course. Applicability of LA credit determined when project is identified.
Prerequisites: advanced standing and departmental permission.

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BIOL 311 Human Genetics 3 s.h.

Biological basis of man's inheritance, including genetic abnormalities and diseases, and chromosomal aberrations and their associated syndromes. Genetics of human populations and polygenic inheritance. New genetic technology. Immunogenetics and genetics of cancer. No laboratory.
(LA)
Prerequisite.- 6 s.h. BIOL, of which 3 s.h. must be in genetics.

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BIOL 315 Laboratory Techniques in Biology 2 s.h.

Field and laboratory studies of the materials, specific techniques, and safety aspects appropriate in the secondary biology classroom- laboratory. Designed for secondary biology majors but open to any biology major interested in teaching.
(LA)
Prerequisite - JrS.

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BIOL 316 Interpreting Biology and Nature 3 s.h.

Interpretation is the process of teaching in a natural setting, by which visitors see, learn, and experience Biology first hand. This course will teach the 15 guiding pricnciples of interpretations and teaching strategies to accomplish each.
Prerequisite - 15 s.h. BIOL.

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BIOL 333 Ecology of Rocky Mountain Regions 3 s.h.

Three-four week field trip instruction and project work; consideration of ecological principles and concepts of ecosystem functioning in major life zones of the region, including identification of major plant and animal components in each. Costs shared by students.
Prerequisite - 9 s.h. science, including 3 s.h. BIOL, and permission of the instructors.
Corequisite- GEOL 333, 3 s.h.

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BIOL 338 Coastal Ecology in Northeastern North America 3 s.h.

A three to four week study of the eastern seaboard's terrestrial and marine flora and fauna. Examines the interaction of physical and chemical processes with these organisms in estuaries, rocky intertidal zones, sandy shores, tidal marshes, barrier dunes, and maritime forests. Journal and report required.
(LA)
Prerequisite: one 3 s.h. BIOL course, and minimum of 9 s.h. in Science, and permission of instructor.
Corequisite - GEOL 338, 3 s.h.

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BIOL 340 Molecular Biology 4 s.h.

Lecture examines the role of nucleic acids and proteins in biological processes. Current modes of the organization and expression of genes in prokaryotes will be discussed. The lab applies molecular methods and recombinant DNA technology to solving biological problems. Labs require occasional out-of-class time.
(LA)
Prerequisites: BIOL 212 and CHEM 221
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BIOL 350 Immunology 3 s.h.

This course will examine the mammalian immunological defense system. Topics covered include origin and development of the humoral and cellular immune responses, normal immune responses to pathogens, and health problems associated with over-reaction and under-reaction of teh immune system.
(LA)
Prerequisites: BIOL 100, BIOL 105, and BIOL 212

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BIOL 356 Animal Behavior 3 s.h.

Introduction to zoological study of animal behavior. Topics include communication, behavior, social organization, and human ethology. Behavioral observations are emphasized in the laboratory.
(LA, CW)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105 and one (200 level) BIOL laboratory course.

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BIOL 362 Microbiology 4 s. h.

Morphology, nutrition, metabolism, taxonomy, ecology, genetics, immunology, and epidemiology of microorganisms, including both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Laboratory studies include basic microbial techniques.
(LA, CW)
Prerequisites: BIOL 105, CHEM 221 and 322, or Chem 226 and 330.

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BIOL 367 Aquatic Pollution 3 s.h.

A study of the major pollutants in the environment, with major emphasis on water pollution. Laboratory provides practical experience in pollution analysis. At least on Saturday field trip required.
(LA)

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BIOL 370 General Physiology 3 s.h.

Basic functional features of living matter, including energy transformations, excitability, transmission, and response in tissue, and mechanics of movement. Includes laboratory.
(LA)
Prerequisites - BIOL 105 and CHEM 112 and 221 or 226.

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BIOL 373 Plant Growth and Development 3 s.h.

The study of the growth and development of higher plants, emphasizing the influence of plant growth hormones and plant tissue culture.
(LA)
Prerequisites - BIOL 105 and CHEM 112 and 221 or 226.

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BIOL 380 Cell Biology 3 s.h.

The general biology of eukaryotic cells is studied. Emphasis is on the ultrastructure, function, metabolism, and controlling mechanism in these cells. Lecture and laboratory experiences are included.
(LA, CW)
Prerequisites - BIOL 105, CHEM 22 1, or permission of instructor.

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BIOL 381 Plant Ecology 3 s.h.

The interaction of plants with their environments, emphasizing terrestrial and wetland plant communities. Analyses of regional plant communities are made using a variety of sampling methods. One weekend field trip required.
(LA)
Prerequisite: BIOL-282.

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BIOL 383 Wetlands & Delineation 3 s.h.

Survey of the major plant species of local freshwater wetlands, and methods for delineation under State and Federal criteria. Extensive field trips include natural bogs, marshes, floodplains, as well as, constructed or managed wetlands of the central NY region. Labwork will emphasize using taxonomic keys. Students must be able to hike through difficult terrain.
(LA)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105 and JrS..

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BIOL 384 Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology 3 s.h.

The ecology and general biology of the freshwater biota with emphasis on benthic invertebrates and life hi-stories of aquatic species. Includes some weekend field trips.
(LA)
Prerequisites: BIOL 105.

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BIOL 385 Limnology 3 s.h.

The physical, chemical, and biological attributes of freshwater environments; laboratory practice and field instruction in limnological methodology. One Saturday field trip required.
(LA)
Prerequisites.- BIOL 105 and CHEM 112; physics recommended.

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BIOL 386 Seminar in Conservation Biology 4 s.h.

A discussion of current research and issues relating to the conservation of bio-diversity, covering such topics as patterns of diversity and rarity, causes of extinction, population genetics, habitat fragmentation- and the practice of conservation biology. Students will be required to give oral presentations and write a review paper about current topics.

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BIOL 388 Stream Ecology 4 s.h.

Ecology and function of streams and rivers, including biological, chemical, and physical features, with emphasis on current concepts in stream ecology. Quantitative measurements of stream biota and physical features during field and laboratory investigations.
(LA)
Prerequisites.- BIOL 282

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BIOL 394 Special Topics 1-4 s.h.

Seven- to fourteen day experiences in regional biology offered off campus or at the Biological Field Station. Course content vanes.- Intended for science majors. Costs shared by students. Students may enroll in several "topics," but no more than 4 s.h. may applied to the biology major and then only for "non specified" major credit.
(LA)
Prerequisites: BIOL 100 and 105.

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BIOL 395 Biology Teaching Assistantship 3 s.h.

Provides college level experience in teaching, laboratory design and preparation. Student works directly under the instructor(s) of the course Selected for the experience, and will be assigned special readings or teaching projects related to teaching that particular subject. Depending on relevancy, a student may expect to teach selected topics., tutor, grade labs, set up and dismantle labs, work in greenhouse, animal room, prep room, or outdoors as agreed upon at the beginning of the semester by the student and mentor. Course may be repeated to earn a maximum of 6 s.h. of BIOL 295/395 credit. Three credits may apply towards any biology elective category. Pass/fail option.
Prerequisites: Minimum GPA 2.5, permission of instructor and chair, and two College at Oneonta biology courses.

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BIOL 397 Internship in Biology1-15 s.h.

Practical experience with an appropriate organization or agency.
Requirements and credits vary with the specific internship.

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BIOL 398 Undergraduate Seminar 1-4 s. h.

See description under BIOL 298.
(LA)
Prerequisites: JrS, two (200 level) BIOL courses and permission of department.

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BIOL 399 Independent Study in Biology 1-6 s.h.

See description under BIOL 299.
Prerequisites: JrS and permission of department.

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INTD 214 Aggression in Man and Animals 3 s.h.

The study of the concepts of aggression as developed in the fields of anthropology, biology, and psychology. A major emphasis of the course is the integration of concepts from these areas, resulting in a more complete, broader understanding of aggression. Topics discussed include evolution of aggression, effects of natural selection, warfare, modeling, ritualization, physiology, socialization of violence, effects on social structure, case studies.
Prerequisite: an introductory BIOL, ANTH, or PSYC course.

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Notes: The following courses may be offered irregularly on an individual enrollment basis.
BIOL 260 Tropical Marine Biology

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