Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
Course Title & Number:
CRN:
Section:
Day(s) and Time(s):
Instructor:
Biology 1224 – Biology for Majors
13288 & 13291
109 & 110
Monday and Wednesday sections - Lecture MC G14 and Lab MC 628
Tuesday and Thursday sections - Lecture MC 616 and Lab MC 628
Prof Judyth Gulden
Office hours: by appointment
TO CONTACT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Phone: 918 261-6624 (Mon – Fri 9am-6pm CST)
Email: judyth.gulden@tulsacc.edu
TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OFFICE
Division Name: Metro Science & Mathematics
Division Associate Dean: Dr. Connie Hebert
Office: MC 620
Phone: 918 595 7334
PREREQUISITES FOR THIS COURSE
There are no college prerequisites for this course. However, this course is intended for science majors who are
considering careers in areas such as medical, healthcare, ecological, engineering and research sciences; this is not
a general science course and not intended to fulfill the general education requirement.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course includes an in-depth study of fundamental biological concepts including metabolism, homeostasis,
heredity, evolution and ecology at the sub-cellular, cellular and organismic levels. It provides the foundation for other
advanced courses in the biological sciences. Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours.
COURSE PURPOSE
I.
Learning Objectives
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II.
Define and recognize introductory biological terminology, principles, and theories.
Describe and discuss the hierarchical nature of life from the molecular level through to organisms and their
ecological interrelationships within their environments.
Identify the scientific application of biological principles in the modern world.
Describe and discuss genetic mechanisms and their interactions with an ever-changing internal and external
environment.
Define and recognize fundamental metabolic, reproductive and evolutionary processes.
Student Learning Outcomes
The following are specific learning outcomes for the student taking this class:
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Describe and use laboratory safety guidelines relating to working with chemicals, microorganisms, body
fluids and/or dissection.
Synthesize information, think critically and solve critical thinking problems; write clear, well organized
answers to assignments that demonstrate synthesis.
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
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Work well independently and show self-direction and motivation
Understand and follow directions properly
Show proficiency in taking exams, by responding to questions quickly and accurately, effectively handling
the pressure of a timed exam.
Assess personal needs in regard to study time and methods, and accept personal responsibility for the
learning process.
Apply principles of scientific inquiry, differentiate a theory from a hypothesis, and differentiate fact from
opinion in regard to biological sciences.
Assess and describe aspects of sustainability, including economic, societal and environmental factors,
especially in relation to biological systems.
TEXTBOOKS, SOFTWARE, & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
All materials can be purchased at the bookstore. However, there are some additional options listed below.
Required Textbooks:
Understanding Biology by Mason, K., Johnson, G, Losos, J. and Singer,S.
9781259686870
Note that you must also have an access card for Connects which is included with new textbooks at
at the bookstore. Alternatively, you can purchase the access card online through the publisher.
Lab Manual – Vodopovich and Moore Custom Edition
Chemistry for Biology Students - Author: George Sackheim Publisher: Benjamin/Cummings
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
Microscope slides, slide covers, dissection kit and safety glasses for some labs; lab
coat/jacket or apron; and, calculator with scientific functions (does not need to be a graphing
calculator; a $19 scientific calculator is all you need)
INSTRUCTOR SUPPORT
 Prof Gulden is available by phone, text, email or you can schedule an appointment. You are encouraged to
call the Instructor to discuss the material or any other items concerning the course.
 Email will be checked daily, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm CST.
 Please note that if you send an email after those hours, it may not be addressed until the following business
day (Monday-Friday). This includes requests concerning exams or online assignments. When you email
please put your name, course and section number in the subject line of the email. This helps the instructor
identify emails that need immediate attention. For example:
Guldenbio1224section21032098
ATTENDANCE AND LATE POLICY
Attendance Policy and Late Arrivals The likelihood of succeeding in this course without your attendance is
minimal. If you exceed more than 2 unplanned absences from classes without contacting the instructor prior to the
scheduled class you may be dropped from the class at the instructor’s discretion. For late arrivals see Inappropriate
Behavior in the Classroom below.
TEACHING METHODS
Lecture, videos, interactive and lab exercises, seminars, research activities, fieldtrips, and occasional guest
speakers. The course material will be divided into units representing closely related topics. Lecture will introduce the
major concepts. Each student is responsible for learning all assigned materials regardless of whether they
are presented through lecture or laboratory exercises. Lecture notes will be posted on blackboard.
Once each week students will participate in a Hands-On experience in the laboratory. Prior to any class meeting, it is
each student's responsibility to have read the appropriate assigned material.
EVALUATION TECHNIQUES
There will not be separate lab exams. Laboratory topics including applied activities will be included in lecture exams.
A laboratory practical will be part of the overall comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester.
Letter grades will be determined on the following basis:
Grading Scale
90-100%
1224-1360
A
Assignment Categories
Tests [3@100 pts each]
300 pts
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
Grading Scale
80-89%
1088-1223
70-79%
952-1087
60-69%
816-951
below 60%
below 815
B
Assignment Categories
Final Exam [comprehensive]
150 pts
C
Major Project [100pts]
100 pts
D
Lab Assignments [13@15 pts]
195 pts
F
Lab Reports [2@60 pts]
Participation [15@5 pts]
Connects [15@20]
Homework Assignments [4@25 pts]
Total Points
120 pts
75 pts
300 pts
100 pts
1340 pts
Make up policy:
 Lecture exams may not be made up.
 In the event that an exam is missed, the score on the next exam will be doubled. If the next exam is the
final exam the score of the previous exam will be doubled and substituted for the missed exam.
 Only one exam may be made up during the semester. The student must inform the instructor BEFORE
the date of the exam or quiz if they are going to miss it. This may be done by email or phone. If this is
not done prior to the date of the exam or quiz then the student will receive a zero and may not take
advantage of the makeup policy.
Assignment Presentation:
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All assignments are to be typed unless otherwise instructed.
There are computers with word processing software available to any TCC student with a current ID.
These are located in the General User Microcomputer Lab on all campuses.
All graphs must be generated using graphing software (e.g. excel).
NO HANDWRITTEN WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.
All work must be in a format that is supported by Microsoft Office unless directed otherwise by the
instructor.
When work is to be submitted through Blackboard only one file per submission is permitted and may
not be a jpg, odt, or wps file.
The IT helpdesk and Computer Lab Services are available to provide support to students and help them
with technology related questions. You can call Client Services at 918-595-2000 or email
ClientSrv@tulsacc.edu .
Exams and assignments will not be returned to students. A student may make an appointment
to look over their exams/assignment at any time before finals weeks. You may also make
copies of your assignments prior to turning them in.
Late Laboratory and Short Assignments:
 Due dates are provided for all assignments.
 Late assignments will only be accepted up until the following class period. At that time, the assignment
will lose 50% of the score.
 You may turn in assignments early.
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
OTHER POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS
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Announcements pertaining to course activities will be made at the beginning of lecture and posted on
Blackboard. The student is responsible for obtaining all information made available during the
meeting periods from other students if they do not attend. All handouts, when possible, will be posted
on Blackboard. It is your responsibility to acquire them. Laboratory exercises, class presentations and
fieldtrips cannot be made up.
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Last day to withdraw: Make sure you note the date. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure they
withdraw. AW will not be given in lieu of forgetting to withdraw in time.
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Cellular Phones and Pagers Turn them off during lecture and laboratory! If for some reason you expect an
emergency situation to arise, please turn off the ringer and take the call outside of class. Please be
respectful of other students. Cell phones MUST NOT ring or be answered during laboratories or
exams!
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Internet Accessibility: All TCC students have access to computers and the Internet in the General User
Computer Labs on all four campuses. Public libraries are an additional location.
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Inappropriate Behavior in the Classroom – Increasingly many students display inconsiderate behavior
towards the instructor and other students. This will not be tolerated. Initially the instructor will speak to the
student individually. If a change in behavior is not observed, the student will be dropped from the class.
Such behavior includes disruptive late arrivals (repeated arrivals more than 7 minutes after a session
begins without prior notification is considered disruptive), excessive talking during lecture, repeated
leaving and returning to the room during lecture, repeated cell phone interruptions, and rudeness towards
the instructor.
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Changes in this Syllabus The policies and statements contained in this syllabus may be altered, added to,
or deleted at any time by the instructor of the class. This will be done by typed supplements or amendments
given to the student and/or posted on blackboard.
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Course Withdrawal: The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the duration of any class.
Contact the Counseling Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from a course ('W' grade) or to
change from Credit to Audit. Check the TCC Academic Calendar for deadlines. Students who stop
participating in the course and fail to withdraw may receive a course grade of “F,” which may have financial
aid consequences for the student.
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Communications:
a. Email communications: All TCC students receive a designated “MyTCC” email address (ex:
jane.doe@mail.tulsacc.edu). All communications to you about TCC and course assignments will be
sent to your MyTCC email address; and you must use MyTCC email to send email to, and receive
email from, the instructor regarding this course.
b. Inclement Weather: TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency situations arise,
TCC always gives cancellation notices to radio and television stations. This information is also posted
on the TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu).
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General Education Goals: General Education courses at TCC ensure that our graduates gain skills,
knowledge, and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their higher education and a backdrop for
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
their work and personal lives. TCC’s General Education goals are: Critical Thinking, Effective
Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological Proficiency.
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Classroom Etiquette: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions, beliefs, and
perspectives during classroom or online discussion encourages the free exchange of ideas that is essential
to higher learning and to the ability to learn from each other. Use of any electronic device (including
computers, ipads and smartphones) is at the discretion of the instructor.
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Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of others about one’s
own work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or misconduct is not condoned or tolerated at
campuses within the Tulsa Community College system. Tulsa Community College adopts a policy
delegating certain forms of authority for disciplinary action to the faculty. Such disciplinary actions delegated
to the faculty include, but are not limited to, the dismissal of disrespectful or disorderly students from
classes. In the case of academic dishonesty a faculty member may:
o require the student to redo an assignment or test, or require the student to complete a substitute
assignment or test;
o Record a "zero" for the assignment or test in question;
o Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively withdraw
the student from the class;
o Record a grade of "F" for the student at the end of the semester.
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Faculty may request that disciplinary action be taken against a student at the administrative level by
submitting such request to the Dean of Student Services.
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It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they understand the meaning of plagiarism, how to
avoid it and the consequences of any acts of plagiarism. Not understanding how to properly cite
materials or use citation format does not provide an excuse for academic dishonesty.
DISABILITY RESOURCES
It is the policy and practice of Tulsa Community College to create inclusive learning environments. Accommodations
for qualifying students in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act are available. To request accommodations, contact the Education Access Center (EAC) at
eac@tulsacc.edu or call (918) 595-7115 (Voice). Deaf and hard of hearing students may text (918) 809-1864.
Blackboard is an accessible learning management system. Blackboard’s accessibility information can be found at
http://www.blackboard.com/Platforms/Learn/Resources/Accessibility.aspx .
Institutional Statement
Each student is responsible for being aware of the information contained in the TCC Catalog, the TCC Student
Policies & Resources Handbook, and semester information listed in the class schedule. All information may be
viewed on the TCC website: www.tulsacc.edu
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
FALL SCHEDULE OF READINGS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week of
Lecture & Exams
Laboratory & Assignments
ADDITIONAL READINGS, & Other Items
August 17
M/W
T/R
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Syllabus
Pre-test
How to Study Science
Chapter 1 - The Science of Biology
Chapter 2 – The Nature of
Molecules and Properties of Water
Slides – Chapter 1 & 2
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Scientific Method
Lab format & information
Intro to lab and safety
Lab Notebooks
Connects 1
Lab 1 – The Process of
Science & Measurements
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Chapter 2 - The Nature of
Molecules and Properties of Water
Chapter 3 – Chemical Building
Blocks of Life
Slides - Chapter 2 & 3
Writing Labs
Chapter 4 – Cell Structure
Slides Chapter 4
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Dimensional Analysis
HW 1 – Dimensional Analysis
Worksheet
Connects 2
Lab 2 Microscopy
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Lab 3 - DNA Extraction
Assign Major Project
Connects 3
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Exam 1 – Chapters 1-4; all labs
Chapter 5 – Cell Membranes
Chapter 5 slides
Chapter 6 Energy & Metabolism
Chapter 6 slides
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Lab 4 - Cell Structure and
Function
Connects 4
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Participation 4
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Sept 14 at 7pm CST
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Lab 5 – Osmosis and Diffusion
Lab Report 1 Assigned
Connects 5
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Participation 5
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Sept 21 at 7pm CST
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Lab 6– Enzymes
Connects 6
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Participation 6
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Sept 28 at 7pm CST
Participation 7
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Oct 5 at 7pm CST
Lab Notebooks to be handed in for
grading
Participation 8
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Oct 12 at 7pm CST
Participation 9
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Oct 19 at 7pm CST
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August 24
M/W
T/R
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August 31 
M/W 
T/R
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Sept 14 
M/W 
Sept 7
M/W
T/R
T/R
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Sept 21
M/W
T/R
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Chapter 7 – How Cells Harvest
Energy
Chapter 7 slides
Sept 28
M/W
T/R
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Chapter 8 - Photosynthesis
Chapter 8 slides
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Lab 7 - Metabolism Game
Connects 7
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Oct 5
M/W
T/R
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Chapter 9 – Cell Communication
Chapter 10 – How Cells Divide
Chapters 9 & 10 slides
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Lab 8 – TBD
Homework 2 assigned
Connects 8
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Oct 12
M/W
T/R
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Exam 2 – Chapters 5-10; all labs
Chapter 11 – Sexual Reproduction
and Meiosis
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Lab 9 - Mitosis and Meiosis
Connects 9
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Chem for Bio Students (CB) – 1,2,3, 4
Atoms, symbols, molecules
Participation 1
All items, including labs must be
submitted Aug 24th at 7 pm CST.
CB- Functional Groups, 12,13,14,15
Participation 2
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Aug 31 at 7pm CST
http://www.udel.edu/biology/ketcham/mic
roscope/scope.html
CB 8, 9, 16, 17, 18
Participation 3
Library Assignment Due (Sept 4)
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Sept 7 at 7pm CST
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
Week of
Lecture & Exams
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Oct 19 
M/W
T/R
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Oct 26
M/W
T/R
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Nov 2
M/W
T/R
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Nov 9
M/W
T/R
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Nov 16
M/W
T/R
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Chapter 12 – Patterns of
Inheritance
Chapter 11 & 12 slides
Chapter 13 – The Chromosomal
Basis of Inheritance
Chapter 14 – DNA: The Genetic
Material
Chapter 15 – Genes and How
They Work
Chapter 13,14, & 15 slides
Chapter 16 – Control of Gene
Expression
Chapter 17 – Biotechnology
Chapter 16 & 17 slides
Chapter 18 – Genomics
Chapter 19 – Genes Within
Populations
Chapter 18 & 19 slides
Exam 3 – Chapters 11-19; all labs
Chapter 20 – Evidence for
Evolution
Chapter 21 – The Origin of the
Species
Chapter 20 & 21 slides
Chapter 22 - Systematics and
Phylogeny
Chapter 37 – Behavioral Biology
Chapter 22, 37
Laboratory & Assignments
ADDITIONAL READINGS, & Other Items
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Lab 10 – Mendelian Genetics
Connects 10
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Participation 10
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Oct 26 at 7pm CST
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Lab 11 - Race for the Double
Helix
Major Project Work
Connects 11
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Participation 11
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Nov 2 at 7pm CST
Major Project Work
Lab 12 – Gene Sequencing
Lab
Homework 3 assigned
Connects 12
Major Project Work
Lab 13 - Evidence for Evolution
National Geographic Tree of
Life Film
Connects 13
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Participation 12
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Nov 9 at 7pm CST
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Participation 13
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Nov 16 at 7pm CST
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Participation 14
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Nov 23 at 7pm CST
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HHMI Lecture – Evolution
Lecture Series
Lab 14 - Origin of Species
Homework 4 - Stickleback
Exercise
Connects 14
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No labs Thanksgiving Break
Major Project Reports Due
Connects 15
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Nov 23
M/W
T/R
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Nov 30
M/W
T/R
 Chapter 39 – Community Ecology
 Chapter 40 – The Living World
 Chapter 39 & 40 slides
Post-test
Lab 15 - The Science of Climate
Change
FINAL WEEK
POST TEST
Dec 7
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Chapter 38 – Ecology of
Individuals and Populations
Chapter 38
Participation 15
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Nov 30 at 7pm CST
 All items, including labs must be
submitted Nov 30 at 7 pm CST
 Participation 16
 All items including labs must be
submitted by Dec 7 at the time of the
Final Week
FINAL EXAM – Includes all chapters and
laboratory work assigned
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