Academic Programs – Conservation and Environmental Science /conservation-environmental-science/academics/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:24:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Conservation and Environmental Science, BA /conservation-environmental-science/academics/conservation-environmental-science-ba/ Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:25:09 +0000 /conservation-environmental-science/?post_type=program&p=8153 The post Conservation and Environmental Science, BA appeared first on Conservation and Environmental Science.

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At 51, students with a passion for nature and the environment can obtain a solid education in the natural sciences that are central to environmental science - biology, geosciences, and chemistry - and the social sciences of geography, economics, and politics which guide the application of conservation and environmental science in the real world.

Students at 51 can focus their conservation and environmental science work around land resources, water resources, biological resources/biodiversity, or environmental analysis. Internships and field work complement classroom learning. These opportunities can be found locally at 51's own , on Lake Michigan aboard 51's R/V Neeskay vessel, and at local agencies, or abroad in places as far flung as Iceland, Africa, Romania and the Caribbean.

An active Conservation Club is another student advantage at 51. Activities range from on-campus sustainability projects to professional networking and more.

51’s CES major builds on students’ passion to solve environmental issues through either a BS or a BA degree. The BS requires more courses in math, biology, chemistry, and science and is suitable for careers in field or laboratory work, while the BA has fewer electives in science for a career in public programming, education, or administration.

Because of the breadth and flexibility of this major, students should consult with the Director and/or Coordinator to plan a course of study, preferably before the start of their sophomore year. It is particularly important to begin the introductory course sequences early, since they are prerequisites for advanced courses.

It is recommended that students obtain at least one semester of practical work or internship experience, either as an employee or as a volunteer, with state or federal resource management agencies, consulting firms, conservation or environmental organizations, or with nature centers or local parks.

Program Type

Major

Program Format

On Campus

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Listed below are the requirements for the Conservation and Environmental Science major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages. 

Conservation and Environmental Science Major Requirements

ճConservation and Environmental Science (CES) majǰrequires a minimum of 54 credits, 29 of which are advanced-level. All students in the major must fulfill the required 36 credits (25 lower-level core credits, and 11 advanced-level credits) and an additional 18 advanced-level credits from among the approved CES upper-level electives.

Students must complete the courses listed below, including at least 15 upper-division (numbered 300 and above) credits in the major in residence at 51. The College of Letters & Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at 51. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work.

Required Introductory Core
Foundations of Biological Sciences I4
Foundations of Biological Sciences II4
Introduction to Conservation and Environmental Science3
General Chemistry5
Introduction to the Earth3
ǰ Our Physical Environment
Evolution of the Earth3
ǰ Introduction to Ocean Sciences
Introduction to Geographic Information Science3
Mid-Level Distributional Requirement
General Ecology4
Conservation of Natural Resources3
Upper-Level Core
Select 18 upper-level approved CES electives with at least 3 credits taken from each of the following areas18
Biological Sciences
Geosciences
Geography
Research Requirement
Practicum in Natural Resources Management4
Total Credits54

List of Approved Electives for the CES Majǰ

Cultural and Human Ecology3
Cell Biology3
Genetics4
Birds of Wisconsin2
Mammalian Physiology3
General Microbiology4
Marine Biology3
Ecology and Evolution of Amphibians and Reptiles3
Field Methods in Conservation3
Biostatistics3
Ecological Genetics3
Internship in Biological Sciences, Upper Division1-6
Plant Physiology3
Plant and Aquatic Ecophysiology Laboratory3
Introduction to Programming and Modeling in Ecology and Evolution3
Conservation Biology3
Limnology I3
Evolution and Ecology of Birds3
Behavioral Ecology3
Microbial Diversity and Physiology3
Topics in Field Biology:1-2
Evolutionary Biology3
Seminar on Recent Advances in Limnology and Oceanography2
Changing Climate: A Conservation and Sustainability Approach3
Field Methods in Conservation3
The Politics and Policy of Sustainability3
Internship in Environmental Studies, Upper Division1-6
Study Abroad:1-12
Ad Hoc:1-6
Environmental Law for Natural Resource Managers3
Principles of Stream Management and Restoration3
Introductory Survey of Organic Chemistry3
Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory2
Organic Chemistry3
Organic Chemistry Laboratory2
Organic Chemistry3
Introduction to Biochemistry3
Instrumental Analysis3
Biophysical Chemistry3
Introduction to Biochemistry Laboratory2
Environmental Economics3
Human Impact on the Environment3
Natural Hazards3
General Climatology3
Data Science and Environmental Applications4
Biogeography3
Remote Sensing: Environmental and Land Use Analysis4
Cartography4
The Water Environment3
Climates of the Past and Climate Change3
Environmental Problems3
Watershed Analysis and Modeling3
Physical Geography of the City3
Geographic Information Science4
Spatial Analysis4
Urban Environmental Change and Social Justice3
Intermediate Geographic Information Science4
Geography Field Work3
Principles of Mineralogy4
Water Quality4
Process Geomorphology4
Conservation Paleontology3
Plant-Insect Interactions in Deep Time3
Glacial and Pleistocene Geology4
Physical Hydrogeology4
Chemical Hydrogeology4
Stratigraphy and Sedimentation4
Physical Sedimentology4
Introduction to Paleontology4
Terroir: Geology in a Glass3
Environmental Surface Hydrology3
Field Methods in Hydrogeology4
Topics in the Geological Sciences:1-3
Seminar in the Geological Sciences:1-3
Environmental Ethics3
Environmental Political Theory3

Approved CES Course Electives Outside of the College of Letters and Science

Although the following courses may count as credits toward the CES major requirements, they do not count to satisfy the advanced L&S credits requirement for the degree. Consult the program coordinator before enrolling any of these courses.

Urban Design3
Air-Pollution Meteorology3
Environmental Impact Assessment3
Aquatic Ecosystem Dynamics3
Ecology and Evolution of Freshwater Organisms3
Introduction to Environmental Data Systems3
Water and Natural Resource Economics3
Water, Energy, Food, and Climate3
Water Law, Policy, and the Environment3
Introduction to Sensing Networks3
Quantitative Freshwater Analysis3
Environmental Health and Disease3
Topics in Public Health:3
Introduction to Urban Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Planning3

Other Potential Courses

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the Conservation and Environmental Science Program, students are encouraged to work with the program coordinator to identify classes that will enable them best to gain the knowledge to achieve their goals. CES students can petition the Program to accept many classes beyond those listed above, if they are appropriate for the major and the individual student's program of study. For example, the following courses may apply:

Special Topics:1-3
Independent Work1-3
Study Abroad:1-12
Special Topics in Biological Sciences:1-3
Independent Study1-3
Undergraduate Seminar in Freshwater Sciences:1-3
GIS/Cartography Internship1-6
Independent Work1-3
Advanced Independent Reading1-3

Declaration of Major

Students wishing to declare the major can obtain the necessary information by contacting the CES Program Coordinator’s office (Lapham Hall, Room 366) or their College of Letters and Science advisor.

Letters & Science Advising

During your time at 51, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.

College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:

  • Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
  • Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
  • Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
  • Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
  • Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.

Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:

  • Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department. 
  • Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
  • Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.

Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video. 

Currently enrolled students should use the  to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.

Get Advising
  • Currently enrolled majors with questions about general degree requirements? Make an appointment with your assigned Letters & Science College Advisor through or email your advisor.
  • Currently enrolled majors with questions about the major specifically? Email your faculty advisor or the department directly.
  • Currently enrolled 51 students not yet in the College of Letters & Science? Email ls-advising@uwm.edu.
  • Haven’t started classes yet at 51? Email our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu.
Letters & Science Degree Requirements

In addition to the requirements for the major (in the ܾ𳾱Գٲtab of this page), students must fulfill a number of other requirements. Students must take a minimum of 120 credits to graduate. These can be thought of as falling into one of three "buckets:" major, general requirements, and electives, which is where a minor could fall. Many classes fall into more than one bucket at the same time. This is why it is important to talk to your advisor, so you can take advantage of those double-counting opportunities.

For more details and a visual guide to the content in each bucket, review our L&S requirements page.

There are things you can do about your career before you graduate. The decisions and actions you take early on will have a significant impact on the course of your career life. Now is the time to take stock of your options and make some commitments. These web resources will help you think through some of the possibilities.

Contact

Prospective Undergraduate Students (not yet enrolled at 51)

Prospective students, contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu ǰ414-229-7711.

Current Undergraduate Students

General questions such as how to declare, how to change a major, general education requirements, etc. should be directed to the college advising office at ls-advising@uwm.edu ǰ414-229-4654.

Specific questions about Conservation and Environmental Science, such as research opportunities, internship opportunities, major requirements, etc., should be directed to Chris Young, CES Director.

The post Conservation and Environmental Science, BA appeared first on Conservation and Environmental Science.

]]>
Conservation and Environmental Science, BS /conservation-environmental-science/academics/conservation-environmental-science-bs/ Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:35:26 +0000 /webid2-test-lsweb/?post_type=program&p=647 The post Conservation and Environmental Science, BS appeared first on Conservation and Environmental Science.

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At 51, students with a passion for nature and the environment can obtain a solid education in the natural sciences that are central to environmental science - biology, geosciences, and chemistry - and the social sciences of geography, economics, and politics which guide the application of conservation and environmental science in the real world.

Students at 51 can focus their conservation and environmental science work around land resources, water resources, biological resources/biodiversity, or environmental analysis. Internships and field work complement classroom learning. These opportunities can be found locally at 51's own , on Lake Michigan aboard 51's R/V Neeskay vessel, and at local agencies, or abroad in places as far flung as Iceland, Africa, Romania and the Caribbean.

An active Conservation Club is another student advantage at 51. Activities range from on-campus sustainability projects to professional networking and more.

51’s CES major builds on students’ passion to solve environmental issues through either a BS or a BA degree. The BS requires more courses in math, biology, chemistry, and science and is suitable for careers in field or laboratory work, while the BA has fewer electives in science for a career in public programming, education, or administration.

Because of the breadth and flexibility of this major, students should consult with the Director and/or Coordinator to plan a course of study, preferably before the start of their sophomore year. It is particularly important to begin the introductory course sequences early, since they are prerequisites for advanced courses.

It is recommended that students obtain at least one semester of practical work or internship experience, either as an employee or as a volunteer, with state or federal resource management agencies, consulting firms, conservation or environmental organizations, or with nature centers or local parks.

Program Type

Major

Program Format

On Campus

Request Information
Loading…

Listed below are the requirements for the Conservation and Environmental Science major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages. 

Conservation and Environmental Science Major Requirements

ճConservation and Environmental Science program requires a minimum of 54 credits, 29 of which are advanced-level. All students in the CES major must fulfill the required 36 credits (25 lower-level core credits, and 11 advanced-level credits) and an additional 18 advanced-level credits from among the approved CES upper-level electives. 

Students must complete the courses listed below, including at least 15 upper-division (numbered 300 and above) credits in the major in residence at 51. The College of Letters & Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at 51. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work.

Required Introductory Core
Foundations of Biological Sciences I4
Foundations of Biological Sciences II4
Introduction to Conservation and Environmental Science3
General Chemistry5
Introduction to the Earth3
ǰ Our Physical Environment
Evolution of the Earth3
ǰ Introduction to Ocean Sciences
Introduction to Geographic Information Science3
Mid-Level Distributional Requirement
General Ecology4
Conservation of Natural Resources3
Upper-Level Core
Select 18 upper-level approved CES electives with at least 3 credits taken from each of the following areas18
Biological Sciences
Geosciences
Geography
Research Requirement
Practicum in Natural Resources Management4
Total Credits54

List of Approved Electives for the CES Major

Cultural and Human Ecology3
Cell Biology3
Genetics4
Birds of Wisconsin2
Mammalian Physiology3
General Microbiology4
Marine Biology3
Ecology and Evolution of Amphibians and Reptiles3
Field Methods in Conservation3
Biostatistics3
Ecological Genetics3
Internship in Biological Sciences, Upper Division1-6
Plant Physiology3
Plant and Aquatic Ecophysiology Laboratory3
Introduction to Programming and Modeling in Ecology and Evolution3
Conservation Biology3
Limnology I3
Evolution and Ecology of Birds3
Behavioral Ecology3
Microbial Diversity and Physiology3
Topics in Field Biology:1-2
Seminar on Recent Advances in Limnology and Oceanography2
Evolutionary Biology3
Changing Climate: A Conservation and Sustainability Approach3
Field Methods in Conservation3
The Politics and Policy of Sustainability3
Internship in Environmental Studies, Upper Division1-6
Study Abroad:1-12
Ad Hoc:1-6
Environmental Law for Natural Resource Managers3
Principles of Stream Management and Restoration3
Introductory Survey of Organic Chemistry3
Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory2
Organic Chemistry3
Organic Chemistry Laboratory2
Organic Chemistry3
Introduction to Biochemistry3
Instrumental Analysis3
Biophysical Chemistry3
Introduction to Biochemistry Laboratory2
Environmental Economics3
Human Impact on the Environment3
Natural Hazards3
General Climatology3
Data Science and Environmental Applications4
Biogeography3
Remote Sensing: Environmental and Land Use Analysis4
Cartography4
The Water Environment3
Climates of the Past and Climate Change3
Environmental Problems3
Watershed Analysis and Modeling3
Physical Geography of the City3
Geographic Information Science4
Spatial Analysis4
Urban Environmental Change and Social Justice3
Intermediate Geographic Information Science4
Geography Field Work3
Principles of Mineralogy4
Water Quality4
Process Geomorphology4
Conservation Paleontology3
Plant-Insect Interactions in Deep Time3
Glacial and Pleistocene Geology4
Physical Hydrogeology4
Chemical Hydrogeology4
Stratigraphy and Sedimentation4
Physical Sedimentology4
Introduction to Paleontology4
Terroir: Geology in a Glass3
Environmental Surface Hydrology3
Field Methods in Hydrogeology4
Topics in the Geological Sciences:1-3
Seminar in the Geological Sciences:1-3
Environmental Ethics3
Environmental Political Theory3

Approved CES Course Electives Outside of the College of Letters and Science

Although the following courses may count as credits toward the CES major requirements, they do not count to satisfy the advanced L&S credits requirement for the degree. Consult the Coordinator before enrolling in any of these courses.

Urban Design3
Air-Pollution Meteorology3
Environmental Impact Assessment3
Ecology and Evolution of Freshwater Organisms3
Introduction to Environmental Data Systems3
Water and Natural Resource Economics3
Water, Energy, Food, and Climate3
Water Law, Policy, and the Environment3
Introduction to Sensing Networks3
Aquatic Ecosystem Dynamics3
Quantitative Freshwater Analysis3
Environmental Health of Freshwater Ecosystems3
Economics, Policy and Management of Water3
Freshwater Sciences Practicum:2-4
Fish Nutrition and Physiology3
Fish Health3
Environmental Health and Disease3
Topics in Public Health:3
Introduction to Urban Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Planning3

Declaration of Major

Students wishing to declare the major can obtain the necessary information and materials from CES Program Coordinator’s office (Lapham Hall, Room 366) or from their College of Letters and Science advisor.

Letters & Science Advising

During your time at 51, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.

College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:

  • Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
  • Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
  • Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
  • Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
  • Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.

Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:

  • Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department. 
  • Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
  • Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.

Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video. 

Currently enrolled students should use the  to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.

Get Advising
  • Currently enrolled majors with questions about general degree requirements? Make an appointment with your assigned Letters & Science College Advisor through or email your advisor.
  • Currently enrolled majors with questions about the major specifically? Email your faculty advisor or the department directly.
  • Currently enrolled 51 students not yet in the College of Letters & Science? Email ls-advising@uwm.edu.
  • Haven’t started classes yet at 51? Email our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu.
Letters & Science Degree Requirements

In addition to the requirements for the major (in the ܾ𳾱Գٲtab of this page), students must fulfill a number of other requirements. Students must take a minimum of 120 credits to graduate. These can be thought of as falling into one of three "buckets:" major, general requirements, and electives, which is where a minor could fall. Many classes fall into more than one bucket at the same time. This is why it is important to talk to your advisor, so you can take advantage of those double-counting opportunities.

For more details and a visual guide to the content in each bucket, review our L&S requirements page.

There are things you can do about your career before you graduate. The decisions and actions you take early on will have a significant impact on the course of your career life. Now is the time to take stock of your options and make some commitments. These web resources will help you think through some of the possibilities.

Contact

Prospective Undergraduate Students (not yet enrolled at 51)

Prospective students, contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu ǰ414-229-7711.

Current Undergraduate Students

General questions such as how to declare, how to change a major, general education requirements, etc. should be directed to the college advising office at ls-advising@uwm.edu ǰ414-229-4654.

Specific questions about Conservation and Environmental Science, such as research opportunities, internship opportunities, major requirements, etc., should be directed to Chris Young, CES Director.

The post Conservation and Environmental Science, BS appeared first on Conservation and Environmental Science.

]]>
Conservation and Environmental Science, Minor /conservation-environmental-science/academics/conservation-environmental-science-minor/ Wed, 10 Nov 2021 00:42:36 +0000 /webid2-test-lsweb/?post_type=program&p=663 The post Conservation and Environmental Science, Minor appeared first on Conservation and Environmental Science.

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At 51, students with a passion for nature and the environment can obtain a solid education in the natural sciences that are central to environmental science - biology, geosciences, and chemistry - and the social sciences of geography, economics, and politics which guide the application of conservation and environmental science in the real world.

Students at 51 can focus their conservation and environmental science work around land resources, water resources, biological resources/biodiversity, or environmental analysis. Internships and field work complement classroom learning. These opportunities can be found locally at 51's own , on Lake Michigan aboard 51's R/V Neeskay vessel, and at local agencies, or abroad in places as far flung as Iceland, Africa, Romania and the Caribbean.

An active Conservation Club is another student advantage at 51. Activities range from on-campus sustainability projects to professional networking and more.

It is recommended that students obtain at least one semester of practical work or internship experience, either as an employee or as a volunteer, with state or federal resource management agencies, consulting firms, conservation or environmental organizations, or with nature centers or local parks.

Program Type

Minor

Program Format

On Campus

Request Information
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Requirements

The Conservation and Environmental Science minor requires completion of a minimum of 25 credits distributed among CES courses and approved electives, with at least 12 credits in upper-level (numbered 300 and above) courses. Students must complete at least 9 upper-level credits for the minor in residence at 51 and must attain a 2.0 GPA on all 51 credits attempted for the minor. In addition, the College requires that students attain a 2.0 GPA on all minor credits attempted, including transfer work.

Introductory Core Requirements 1
Introduction to Conservation and Environmental Science3
Introduction to the Earth3
ǰ Our Physical Environment
How Life Works3
ǰ Foundations of Biological Sciences I
Select one of the following:4-5
Chemical Science
General Chemistry
General Chemistry for Engineering
Upper-Level Requirements
Practicum in Natural Resources Management3-4
ǰ Conservation of Natural Resources
Select at least 9 upper-level (numbered 300 or above) credits 29
Total Credits25-27
1

Students pursuing BS degrees and those interested in taking upper-level natural science classes such as should take and as part of their introductory core requirements.

2

Selected from the list of approved elective courses for the CES major, found or . At least 6 of these must be taken outside the student’s major program and at least 3 must be from the natural sciences.

Letters & Science Minor Advising

Advising for the minor takes place within the department by a faculty member or staff member. Follow the steps using the "Declare a Minor" button on the department’s website which may include instructions on how to select a faculty advisor if there is more than one to choose from.

Students who already have an L&S college advisor because their degree plan is in L&S can discuss the minor with them as well since they will be familiar with any minor in L&S. Students who are working on a degree from a 51 college other than the College of Letters & Science will not need an L&S college advisor for just a minor and one will not be assigned. These students should work with the faculty or staff advisor they receive as part of the minor declaration process or contact the department directly for assistance.

Applicants who have not started classes at 51 yet who wish to declare a minor should wait until they are registered for their first 51 classes and then can declare the minor using the “Declare a Minor” button on the program’s website. If you have questions about the minor before then, contact let-sci@uwm.edu.

Contact

Prospective Undergraduate Students (not yet enrolled at 51)

Prospective students, contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu ǰ414-229-7711.

Current Undergraduate Students

General questions such as how to declare, how to change a major, general education requirements, etc. should be directed to the college advising office at ls-advising@uwm.edu ǰ414-229-4654.

Specific questions about Conservation and Environmental Science, such as research opportunities, internship opportunities, major requirements, etc., should be directed to Chris Young, CES Director.

The post Conservation and Environmental Science, Minor appeared first on Conservation and Environmental Science.

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