Undergraduate Catalog 2014-2015

BIOL - Biology

BIOL 0001 First Year Academic Seminar

(1-0-1) To introduce new majors to the program requirements in biology. To provide guidance on what it will take to be a successful student in the department, and to introduce students to the multiple avenues available in the department for students to interact with faculty.

1

BIOL 1100 Biological Processes

(3-0-3) AREA D FOR NON-SCIENCE MAJORS. A survey of basic principles of life as reflected in the structure and physiology of cells and organisms.

3

BIOL 1100L Biological Processes Lab

(0-2-1) AREA D FOR NON-SCIENCE MAJORS. Laboratory course to accompany BIOL 1100. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

1

BIOL 1107 Principles of Biology I

(3-0-3) AREA D FOR SCIENCE MAJORS. This course covers the general principles of biology, including biomolecules, cell structure and function, and bioenergetics. This course helps students to build a foundation in molecular and cellular biology and is recommended for science majors and students with pre-professional concentrations.

3

BIOL 1107L Principles of Biology I Lab

(0-2-1) AREA D FOR SCIENCE MAJORS. Laboratory course to accompany BIOL 1107. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

1

BIOL 1108 Principles of Biology II

(3-0-3) The investigation of the diverse life forms. Emphasis will be placed upon their systematic groupings as well as their morphology, physiology, life histories and ecology.

3

BIOL 1108L Principles of Biology II Lab

(0-2-1) Laboratory course to accompany BIOL 1108. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

1

BIOL 1120 Biodiversity

(3-0-3) AREA D FOR NON-SCIENCE MAJORS. Survey of the basic principles of life as reflected in reproductive physiology, heredity, evolution, behavior, and ecology.

3

BIOL 1120L Biodiversity Lab

(0-2-1) AREA D FOR NON-SCIENCE MAJORS. Laboratory course to accompany BIOL 1120. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

1

BIOL 2100 Genetics

(3-2-4) Prerequisites: BIOL 1107, BIOL 1107L. A study of inheritance, including Mendelian genetics, chromosomal inheritance patterns, DNA structure and function, and population genetics. The lab will consist of solving problem sets and some experimental techniques. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 2160 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

(3-3-4) The structure, functions, and dysfunctions of cells, tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, primarily for study in the health professions. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 2170 Human Anatomy & Physiology II

(3-3-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2160 with a grade of C or better. A continuation of BIOL 2160 covering the endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 2800 Ecology

(3-2-4) Prerequisites: BIOL 1107 and BIOL 1108. The study of the interrelationships of organisms with their physical and biological environment. Topics include population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere levels of organization. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 2999 Undergraduate Research

(VAR 1-4) Prerequisite: Approval of Instructor. Individual or small group research project in the area of the instructor's expertise. This course is repeatable for credit.

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BIOL 3000 Seminar

(2-0-2) Studies in selected fields of biology and/or environmental science requiring preparation of a scientific paper or papers and at least one oral presentation by each student.

2

BIOL 3010 Biological & Medical Terminol

(1-0-1) A study of Greek, Latin, and other word origins of biological and medical terms, with the aim of improving insight and confidence in mastering scientific vocabulary.

1

BIOL 3050 Intro to Med Phys I

Junior standing or permission of instructor. The study of normal medical physiology and some common dysfunctions of the human body, and ability to apply this knowledge to collaborative research and solving of clinical case studies including diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, and social dimensions of health and disease. Covers basic cell and molecular biology and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and sensory systems.

3

BIOL 3051 Intro to Med Phys II

Junior standing or permission of instructor. A companion course to BIOL 3050 but may be taken separately or in either order. The study of normal medical physiology and some common dysfunctions of the human body, and ability to apply this knowledge to collaborative research and solving of clinical case studies including diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, and social dimensions of health and disease. Covers the endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, urinary, digestive and reproductive systems.

3

BIOL 3180 Allied Health Microbiology

(3-2-4) Designed to give a general knowledge of microorganisms and their relation to human welfare with respect to both pathology and transmission of disease. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 3200 Cellular & Molecular Physiolog

(3-0-3) Prerequisites: BIOL 2100. The study of cells including nutrition, response to the environment, metabolism, growth and reproduction; molecular and biochemical mechanisms emphasized.

3

BIOL 3400 Organismal Physiology

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 1107, BIOL 1107L. Basic principles of plant and animal physiology, emphasizing mechanisms common to all life forms.

3

BIOL 3450 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

Prerequisite: BIOL 3700. A study of the gross anatomy, biomechanics, and evolutionary relationships of the chordates. Several types of vertebrates are dissected. This course has a laboratory fee. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 3700 Evolution

(3-0-3) Prerequisites: BIOL 1108, BIOL 1107, and BIOL 2100. A quantitative study of the processes of organic evolution.

3

BIOL 3750 Seminar in Medical Culture

Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. This pre-medical mentorship is an examination of the history and culture of American medical practice, the science and art of being an effective physician, and societal issues in health care access and delivery. Uses books and film discussions, Internet research, collaborative learning, writing, oral presentations, structured debates, clinical case studies, and other means of inquiry and dialog. Enrollment by invitation only.

1

BIOL 3800 GI Science Tech-Landscape Ecol

Prerequisites: BIOL 2800 or permission of instructor. An introduction to the principles of landscape ecology, emphasizing how spatial heterogeneity and human activities influence ecological systems and the use of geographic Information Science techniques to analyze ecological patterns at the landscape level.

4

BIOL 3999 Undergraduate Research

(VAR 1-4) Prerequisite: Approval of Instructor. Individual or small group research project in the area of the instructor's expertise. This course is repeatable for credit.

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BIOL 4010 Integrated Life Science

(2-2-3) Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor, PHSC 4010 recommended. A content course clarifying concepts in life science for middle grades teachers. Students acquire a depth of understanding of foundational life science concepts such as unity and biodiversity of life such that they can effectively assist others in learning. Course credit may not count toward B.S. Degree Biology Major Requirements. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

3

BIOL 4110 Animal Development

(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200. The embryological development of vertebrates. Includes study of relevant biochemistry, germ cell production, fertilization, differentiation, and the origin of organ systems. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4120 Endocrinology

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200. An in-depth study of the mechanisms of hormone secretion and interactions with receptors, specific endocrine tissues and their secretions, assaying methodology, and diseases and dysfunctions that involve the endocrine glands.

3

BIOL 4130 General Pharmacology

(3-0-3) Prerequisites: BIOL 3200. An overview of the interaction of drugs with tissue receptors; topics include the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs.

3

BIOL 4140 Histology

(2-3-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 3400. The microscopic anatomy of vertebrate tissues and organs, with an emphasis on human organ systems. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4150 Immunology

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200. The structure and the normal and abnormal function of the vertebrate immune system, including the interactions of the cellular and humoral components.

3

BIOL 4155 Biology of Cancer

This course satisfies the biology major requirement as an upper level course. This course is designed to introduce the mechanistic fundamentals as to how the cancer arises and how this disease should be treated in the future. Emphases are given on understanding fundamental cell signaling aspects of normal vs. abnormal cells as well as understanding of current cancer research directions based on reading and analyzing scientific literature and future perspectives. Prerequisite: BIOL 2100 and BIOL 3200 are required while additional upper level molecular cellular courses are highly encouraged.

4

BIOL 4160 Molecular Virology

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 2100. Course provides an overview of the structure and molecular biology of viruses (groups I-VII) and subviral particles known to exist. Major modes of infection of these viral and subviral agents in host organisms and the pathogenesis they cause in their hosts is surveyed.

3

BIOL 4180 Microbiology

(3-2-4) Prerequisites: BIOL 2100 and BIOL 3200. A study of bacteria and viruses. Emphasis on physiologic processes that are peculiar to non-eukaryotic cells and their usefulness as model biological systems. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4185 Medical Microbiology

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 2100. This course will focus on mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and the host response, and the scientific approaches that are used to investigate these processes.

3

BIOL 4195 Molecular Biology

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 2100. An advanced study of the molecular basis of inheritance, with emphasis on selected human genes and disease. DNA structure, replication, transcription and translation will be presented in detail.

3

BIOL 4200 Membrane Physiology

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200. The cellular biology of membrane components and key processes like membrane transport and membrane trafficking will be examined. An emphasis will be placed on literature supporting this field.

3

BIOL 4205 Yeast Biology

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200. The study of yeast as models for the investigation of basic eukaryotic cell biology; genetic, molecular, and biochemical mechanisms and techniques are emphasized.

3

BIOL 4211 Amyloids & Prions

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200 or CHEM 3510. The biology of amyloids and prions will be examined. A special emphasis will be placed on a global understanding of how science is learned and practiced. Course may be offered as a CAPSTONE.

3

BIOL 4215 Plant Cell Physiology

(3-2-4) Prerequisites: BIOL 3400 and CHEM 1211, or CHEM 2100, or CHEM 1211K, or CHEM 1311. A presentation of the principles of plant physiology through lecture topics, lab demonstrations, and experiments. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4220 Molecular Microbial Ecology

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3180 or BIOL 4180 or BIOL 4750. An exploration of the extent of biodiversity in the microbial world and the functions of microorganisms in the global ecosystem. An emphasis will be placed on the detection of bacteria in aquatic systems. Current methods used in microbial community assessment including PCR, DNA hybridization, 16S rRNA sequencing and insitu-PCR will be presented.

3

BIOL 4235 Molecular Biotechnique

(1-6-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2100. A laboratory-intensive course designed to introduce the student to experimental techniques, instrumentation, and methodology commonly used in the laboratory investigation of molecules and cells. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4240 Neurophysiology

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200. An introduction to the physiology of the vertebrate nervous system, primarily from a cellular point of view.

3

BIOL 4260 Environmental Toxicology

(3-0-3) Prerequisites: CHEM 1211, or CHEM 1311, or CHLEM 1211K, and BIOL 2800 or BIOL 3200. This course will provide students with a general understanding of toxicology as related to the environment. Fundamental concepts to be covered include the fate, transport, and biotransformation of toxic compounds; their biological targets and mechanisms; and risk assessment as related to the environmental sustainability. (ENSC 4260 is equivalent to this course). Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

3

Cross Listed Courses

ENSC 4260

BIOL 4270 Cell Signaling

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200. The signals and signaling pathway components commonly observed in basic cellular mechanisms will be investigated; an emphasis will be placed on how signaling pathways regulate the metabolic, genetic, and developmental mechanisms of higher eukaryotes.

3

BIOL 4300 Human Biology Sex & Drugs

(3-0-3) This course is designed to provide an examination of drugs and drug use, human sexuality and reproduction from a biological perspective. Various historical and social issues related to these topics will also be discussed.

3

BIOL 4410 Biological Systematics

(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 3700. A study of taxonomy and systematics and the reasons why we name biological organisms and what classifications represent. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4420 Clinical Parasitology

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3400. Symptomatology, pathogenesis, epidemiology and treatment of the major protozoans, trematodes, cestodes and nematodes that most commonly infect humans.

3

BIOL 4440 Comparative Animal Physiology

(2-4-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 3400. Comparisons of organ function in both invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Interactions with environmental factors and control mechanisms emphasized. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4460 General Entomology

(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 1108. A study of the natural history, morphology, physiology, taxonomy, evolutionary relationships and behavior of insects. Covers the economic and medical importance of insects. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4470 Herpetology

(3-2-4) Principles of evolution, classification, structure, distribution, adaptation, and life history of amphibians and reptiles. Laboratory and field work deals with various aspects of Georgia species. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4480 Ichthyology

(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800. Taxonomy, morphology, life history, ecology, and distribution of fishes. Laboratory deals with taxonomy and natural history of fishes found in central Georgia. (ENSC 4480 is equivalent to this course). Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

Cross Listed Courses

ENSC 4480

BIOL 4490 Phycology

(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800. Taxonomy, morphology, life history, ecology, and distribution of algae. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4500 Invertebrate Zoology

(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 1108 or permission of instructor. A study of invertebrate animals covering anatomy, physiology, ecology, taxonomy, evolutionary relationships and behavior. This course is non-repeatable for credit. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4530 Mammalogy

(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800 or BIOL 3700. A study of the phylogeny, adaptations, and natural history of mammals worldwide. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4540 Ornithology

(3-2-4) Prerequisites: BIOL 1107 and BIOL 1108. An introduction to the scientific study of birds, which includes the fossil record, anatomy, identification, systematics, and biogeography. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4580 Morphology & Anatomy of Plants

(2-4-4) A comprehensive survey of the morphology, anatomy, economic importance and evolution of vascular and nonvascular plants. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4590 Vertebrate Biomechanics

(3-0-3) Prerequisites: PHYS 1111and BIOL 3700. An advanced study of the structure and function of the vertebrate musculoskeletal system.

3

BIOL 4610 Vertebrate Zoology

(3-2-4) A study of the classes of vertebrates in relation to taxonomy, life history, population, and evolution. Includes laboratory and field collections emphasizing Georgia vertebrates. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4705 Population & Community Ecology

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800. An introduction to quantitative, theoretical and applied population and community ecology including population dynamics, species interactions and community structure. (ENSC 4705 is equivalent to this course).

3

BIOL 4710 Biogeography

(4-0-4) Theories and principles concerning regional patterns of plant and animal distributions. (ENSC 4710 is equivalent to this course).

4

Cross Listed Courses

GEOG 4710, ENSC 4710

BIOL 4725 Community & Ecosystem Ecology

(2-3-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800. The ecological study of community structure, function and the interrelated dynamics. Major communities of Georgia and the major biomes of North America will be studied. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4730 Comparative Animal Behavior

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: 12 hours of BIOL and/or PSYC. The behavior of organisms ranging from bacteria to humans from the standpoint of genetics, evolution, physiology, ecology, and social organization. (Cross-listed as PSYC 4730.)

3

BIOL 4740 Environmental Conservation

(3-0-3) A consideration of major environmental questions of today's world and the ecological aspects relating to the conservation of man's renewable and non-renewable resources. (ENSC 4740 and GEOG 4740 are equivalent to this course).

3

Cross Listed Courses

GEOG 4740, ENSC 4740

BIOL 4750 Environmental Microbiology

(3-0-3) Prerequisites: BIOL 2800 or BIOL 3200. A study of interaction of microorganisms with their environment. Emphasis on microorganisms of terrestrial and aquatic environments, and environmental determinants that control their distribution, activities, and cross-interactions in these environments. (ENSC 4750 is equivalent to this course).

3

BIOL 4760 Plant Systematics

(3-2-4) Prerequisites: BIOL 1107 and BIOL 1108. A course using local flora to teach principles of plant systematics. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4770 Field Ornithology

(2-4-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800 or BIOL 3700 or permission of the instructor. An introduction to field techniques for studying birds, e.g., field identification by sight and song, census taking, developing a field study. (ENSC 4770 is equivalent to this course). Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

Cross Listed Courses

ENSC 4770

BIOL 4780 Freshwater Biology

(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800. The study of freshwater organisms, their identification, natural history, and environmental relationships. Particular emphasis will be given to lotic systems. (ENSC 4780 is equivalent to this course) Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

Cross Listed Courses

ENSC 4780

BIOL 4785 Ecology of Wetland Ecosystems

This course introduces students to the principles of wetland science and our practices in managing them, with emphasis on the ecosystem perspective. Students will be expected to develop an understanding of physical, chemical, and biological aspects of wetlands including the processes that form wetlands and their associated plant and animal communities and how we manage these ecosystems. Prerequisite: C or better in BIOL 2800.

4

BIOL 4795 Aquatic Ecology

This is an advanced course designed to familiarize students with the ecology of freshwater and coastal ecosystems (both "lotic" and "lentic"). This course will introduce students to field and laboratory techniques, current theory regarding structure and function, important areas of research and applied issues regarding conservation and management of aquatic habitats. The course will consist of a mixture of of lectures and group discussions, coupled with field and laboratory exercises. Prerequisite: BIOL 2800.

4

BIOL 4800 Plants and People of The World

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: ANTH 1102 or BIOL 1100 or BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1120 or permission of instructor. Critical examination of the role neotropical plant resources have played in the culture, economics, and history of Latin America and the world.

3

Cross Listed Courses

ANTH 4800, IDST 4800

BIOL 4820 Topics in Avian Evolution

(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 4540. An advanced course in ornithology with varying course topics (to be announced before term, e.g., origin of birds, fossil record of birds, migration, avian anatomy). This course is repeatable for credit.

3

BIOL 4850 Vertebrate Paleontology

(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800 or BIOL 3700 or permission of the instructor. A detailed study of the evolution and phylogenetic relationships of the major groups of vertebrates. This course has a laboratory fee.

4

BIOL 4860 Vertebrate Field Techniques

(2-4-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 1108. A survey of field techniques used to sample nongame wildlife to include experimental design, data collection, field notes, and final report writing. Group field project required. (ENSC 4860 is equivalent to this course). Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

Cross Listed Courses

ENSC 4860

BIOL 4870 Wildlife Management

(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800. Survey of the techniques and methodologies used in wildlife management of game and nongame animals. Field project required. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.

4

BIOL 4890 Methods in Biodiversity Study

A senior level field-intensive course designed to allow the student to draw on knowledge and skills gained from previous courses. The course is designed to allow the student to implement experimental design, instrumentation, sampling techniques, and general methodologies needed to implement and complete a field based research project on a naturally occurring vertebrate population. Also, methods of reporting the results of the research in a manuscript form and orally will be required by the student. This course satisfies the course option for a senior capstone in biology or environmental science.This course is repeatable for credit. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount. Prerequisite: Senior Standing.

4

BIOL 4910 Origins: Scientific Views

(3-0-3) Prerequisites BIOL 3700. An examination of significant stages in the evolution of life from a scientific perspective working backward in time from the origin of human intelligence to the big bang. This course satisfies the course option for a senior capstone in biology or environmental science.

3

BIOL 4920 Origins: Phil/Poli Controversy

(3-0-3) Prerequisites: Senior standing and either BIOL 3700 or GEOL 1122. A multidisciplinary examination of the creation-evolution controversy from the perspectives of natural history, U.S. history, legislation an constitutional law, theatre and cinema, theology, comparative creation mythology, and the philosophy of science, pseudoscience, and public education. Formal team debates are required at the course conclusion. This course satisfies the requirement for a Senior Capstone in biology or environmental science.

3

BIOL 4940 Independent Study

(VAR 1-4) Independent work arranged by the instructor according to the individual student's preparation, background, and needs. This course is repeatable for credit.

1 - 4

BIOL 4950 Special Topics

(VAR 1-4) Consideration of topics in which courses are not offered otherwise, but for which there is current need. Subject matter varies. This course is repeatable for credit.

1 - 4

BIOL 4951 Special Topics w/ Lab

Consideration of topics in which courses are not offered otherwise, but for which there is current need. Subject matter varies. This course is repeatable for credit. This course has a lab fee.

4

BIOL 4952 Special Topics Capstone

This course counts towards senior capstone requirement for Biology majors. The goal of a senior capstone is to allow students to bring together their knowledge gained from specific subareas of their majors and other disciplines for the integrative understanding of the science and the global understanding of the world around them. Although each course will have specific prerequisites and requirements, in general writing, primary literature reading and oral communication components will be highly emphasized. This course is repeatable for credit.

3

BIOL 4953 Special Topics Capstone w/Lab

This course counts towards senior capstone requirement for Biology majors. The goal of a senior capstone is to allow students to bring together their knowledge gained from specific subareas of their majors and other disciplines for the integrative understanding of the science and the global understanding of the world around them. Although each course will have specific prerequisites and requirements, in general writing, primary literature reading and oral communication components will be highly emphasized. This course has a lab fee. This course is repeatable for credit.

4

BIOL 4960 Internship

(VAR 1-15) Prerequisite: Selection for participation in a University-approved Internship program. An individually designed off-campus course involving study, research and/or work in a science position. This course is repeatable for credit.

3 - 6

BIOL 4980 Study Abroad

(VAR 1-15) See the International Studies section of the catalog for details. This course is repeatable for credit.

1 - 15

BIOL 4996 Capstone Research

Prerequisites: a minimum of 1 hour in independent research course BIOL 3999 or BIOL 4999. This course counts towards the senior capstone requirement for Biology majors. The goal of a senior capstone is to allow students to bring together their knowledge gained from specific subareas of their majors and other disciplines for integrative understanding of the science and the global perspective. Students are expected to have basic understanding of the research topic of their choice based on previous research experience. Writing in appropriate format and formal presentation of research results will be expected. This course is repeatable for credit.

3

BIOL 4999 Undergraduate Research

(VAR 1-4) Prerequisite: Approval of Instructor. Individual or small group research project in the area of the instructor's expertise. This course is repeatable for credit.

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