General Information

Overview

Scientific advances are impossible without innovation. Get set to make a positive impact with our Victorian-first Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Applied Innovation.

Pair your tailor-made science degree with in-demand innovation skills – like collaboration, creativity and problem-solving. Immerse yourself in multidisciplinary innovation sprints and industry-based projects. Emerge ready to make meaningful scientific change.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Applied Innovation requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Technology and Society
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
ART10002
Concepts of Biology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
BIO10001
Chemistry 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE10001
Introduction to Chemistry
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE10004
Preliminary Mathematics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
MTH00007
Foundations of Statistics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
STA10003
Digital and Data Systems
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
ENG10004
Essential Mathematics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
MTH10010
Calculus and Applications
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
MTH10012
Linear Algebra and Applications
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
MTH10013
Sustainability Challenges in Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
NPS10003
Energy and Motion
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
PHY10001
Introduction to Physics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
PHY10002
Skills and Strategies for Social Change
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
ART20003
Societal Challenges in Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
NPS20011
Changemakers in Action
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
ART30004
BA Professional Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
ART30005
Grand Challenges in Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
NPS30004
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Exploring Creativity and Innovation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
INV10001
Fundamentals of Innovation Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
INV10002
Innovation Sandpit
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
INV10003
Responsible Innovation Futures
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
INV10004
Innovation for Challenges of Today
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
INV20001
Innovation for the Future
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
INV20002
Applied Innovation Internship
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
INV20003
Applied Innovation Studio A
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
INV30001
Applied Innovation Studio B
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
INV30002
Leadership and Facilitation of Innovation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
INV30003
Units of study Unit code
Matrices, Vector Calculus and Complex Analysis
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
MTH20014
Modelling Nature’s Non-Linearity
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
MTH20015
Series and Transforms
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
MTH20012
Quantitative Prediction
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
MTH20016
Differential Equations
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
MTH30002
Optimisation
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
MTH30006
Stochastic Modelling
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
MTH30001
Numerical and Computational Mathematics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
MTH30003
Units of study Unit code
Concepts of Biotechnology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
BIO10003
Chemistry 2
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE10002
Introduction to Biochemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
BCH20002
Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
BCH20001
Advanced Biochemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
BCH30003
Environmental Biology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
ENV30001
Computational and Advanced Organic Chemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE30006
Molecular Biotechnology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
BIO30004
Units of study Unit code
Concepts of Biotechnology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
BIO10003
Chemistry 2
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE10002
Introduction to Biochemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
BCH20002
Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
BCH20001
Advanced Biochemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
BCH30003
Environmental Biology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
ENV30001
Computational and Advanced Organic Chemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE30006
Molecular Biotechnology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
BIO30004
Units of study Unit code
Chemistry 2
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE10002
Analytical and Forensic Chemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE20006
Spectroscopy and Instrumentation
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE20009
Investigative Organic Chemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE20008
Inorganic Chemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE30010
Advanced Analytical Chemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE30005
Surface and Colloid Chemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE30009
Computational and Advanced Organic Chemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE30006
Units of study Unit code
Consumer Chemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
CHE10005
Built and Sustainable Communities
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PEH20004
The Microbial World
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
BIO20002
Environmental Management
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
ENV30003
Food Science
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PEH20002
Water Science
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PEH20006
Environmental Biology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
ENV30001
Microbes in the Environment
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
BIO30005
Units of study Unit code
Electronics and Electromagnetism
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PHY10004
Discovering the Universe
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
AST10001
Optics, Relativity and Subatomic Physics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PHY20004
Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Physics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PHY20007
Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PHY20008
Physics Research Laboratories
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PHY30005
Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PHY30003
Quantum, Atomic and Optical Physics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PHY30004

Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 50 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).

Minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points and may be chosen from any field of study.

  • Accounting
  • Advertising
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Applied Psychology
  • Aviation
  • Biomedical Science
  • Biotechnology
  • Branded Environments
  • Chemistry
  • Cinema and Screen Studies
  • Climate and Social Justice
  • Communication Design
  • Computer Science
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminology
  • Data Analytics
  • Data Science
  • Design Principles and Processes
  • Digital Advertising Technology
  • Digital Marketing
  • Diversity and Multiculturalism
  • Editing
  • Engineering
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Ethics and Technology
  • Film and Television Theory
  • Finance
  • Games and Interactivity
  • Health Statistics
  • Health Societies
  • Higher Mathematics
  • History
  • Human Resource Management
  • Indigenous Studies
  • Industrial Design
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Innovation
  • Interior Architecture
  • Interior Documentation and Construction
  • International Relations and Security
  • Journalism
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Management for Health
  • Managing Information Systems
  • Marketing
  • Media Industries
  • Motion Design
  • Neuroscience
  • Nutrition
  • Perspectives on Globalisation
  • Philosophy
  • Photomedia
  • Physics
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Professional and Creative Writing
  • Public Relations
  • Screen Studies and Popular Culture
  • Social Impact
  • Social Media
  • Sociology
  • Space Technology
  • Web Development
View minor units

You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for either 6 or 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.

Units of study Unit code
Option 1
Work Experience In Industry A
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points
WEI20001
Integrated Professional Placement A - Science
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points
NPS20003
Work Experience in Industry B
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points
WEI20002
Integrated Professional Placement B - Science
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points
NPS20004

These recommended elective units can deepen your understanding of your chosen major or an area of interest. A full list of available elective units can be found upon enrolment.

Applied Mathematics major
  • AER10001 Space Applications
  • AER20001 Space and Microgravity Science
  • AER20002 Space Environment, Data, Visualisation and Applications
  • AST10001 Discovering the Universe
  • AST30001 From Stars to Black Holes
  • BCH20001 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
  • BCH20002 Introduction to Biochemistry
  • BIO10003 Concepts of Biotechnology
  • BIO20002 The Microbial World
  • CHE10002 Chemistry 2
  • CHE20006 Analytical and Forensic Chemistry
  • CHE20008 Investigative Organic Chemistry
  • CHE20009 Spectroscopy and Instrumentation
  • COS10009 Introduction to Programming
  • COS20007 Object Oriented Programming
  • LAW10027 Space Policy, Law and the New Space Economy
  • PHI10007 What is Power?
  • PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
  • PHY10004 Electronics and Electromagnetism
  • PHY20007 Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Physics
  • PHY20008 Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism
  • PHY30003 Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics
  • PHY30004 Quantum, Atomic and Optical Physics
  • PSY10005 Introduction to Research Methods
  • STA10003 Foundations of Statistics
  • STA20010 Statistical Computing
     
Biochemistry major
  • AER10001 Space Applications
  • AER20001 Space and Microgravity Science
  • AER20002 Space Environment, Data, Visualisation and Applications
  • AST10001 Discovering the Universe
  • BIO10004 Anatomy and Physiology
  • BIO20002 The Microbial World
  • BIO30004 Molecular Biotechnology
  • BIO30005 Microbes in the Environment
  • CHE10005 Consumer Chemistry
  • CHE10007 Introduction to Forensic Science
  • CHE20006 Analytical and Forensic Chemistry
  • CHE20008 Investigative Organic Chemistry
  • CHE20009 Spectroscopy and Instrumentation
  • CHE30009 Surface and Colloid Chemistry
  • CHE30010 Inorganic Chemistry
  • ENV30003 Environmental Management
  • LAW10027 Space Policy, Law and the New Space Economy
  • MBP10001 Technology and Data Acquisition
  • MTH10012 Calculus and Applications
  • MTH10013 Linear Algebra and Applications
  • NTR10001 Introduction to Nutrition
  • PEH20002 Food Science
  • PEH20006 Water Science
  • PEH30004 Occupational Health and Safety
  • PHI10007 What is Power?
  • PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
  • STA10003 Foundations of Statistics
     
Biotechnology major
  • AER10001 Space Applications
  • AER20001 Space and Microgravity Science
  • AER20002 Space Environment, Data, Visualisation and Applications
  • AST10001 Discovering the Universe
  • BIO10004 Anatomy and Physiology
  • CHE10002 Chemistry 2
  • CHE10005 Consumer Chemistry
  • CHE10007 Introduction to Forensic Science
  • CHE20006 Analytical and Forensic Chemistry
  • CHE20008 Investigative Organic Chemistry
  • CHE20009 Spectroscopy and Instrumentation
  • CHE30005 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
  • CHE30006 Computational and Advanced Organic Chemistry
  • CHE30009 Surface and Colloid Chemistry
  • ENV30001 Environmental Biology
  • ENV30003 Environmental Management
  • LAW10027 Space Policy, Law and the New Space Economy
  • MTH10012 Calculus and Applications
  • NEU10002 Neuroscience
  • NTR10001 Introduction to Nutrition
  • PEH20002 Food Science
  • PEH20005 Communicable Disease Control
  • PEH30004 Occupational Health and Safety
  • STA10003 Foundations of Statistics
     
Chemistry major
  • AER10001 Space Applications
  • AER20001 Space and Microgravity Science
  • AER20002 Space Environment, Data, Visualisation and Applications
  • AST10001 Discovering the Universe
  • BCH20001 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
  • BCH20002 Introduction to Biochemistry
  • BIO10003 Concepts of Biotechnology
  • BIO10004 Anatomy and Physiology
  • BIO20002 The Microbial World
  • BIO30005 Microbes in the Environment
  • CHE10005 Consumer Chemistry
  • CHE30006 Computational and Advanced Organic Chemistry
  • ENV30001 Environmental Biology
  • LAW10027 Space Policy, Law and the New Space Economy
  • MTH10012 Calculus and Applications
  • MTH10013 Linear Algebra and Applications
  • NEU10002 Neuroscience
  • NTR10001 Introduction to Nutrition
  • PEH20002 Food Science
  • PEH20006 Water Science
  • PEH30004 Occupational Health and Safety
  • PHY10004 Electronics and Electromagnetism
  • STA10003 Foundations of Statistics
     
Environmental Science major
  • AER10001 Space Applications
  • AER20001 Space and Microgravity Science
  • AER20002 Space Environment, Data, Visualisation and Applications
  • AST10001 Discovering the Universe
  • BCH20002 Introduction to Biochemistry
  • BIO10003 Concepts of Biotechnology
  • BIO10004 Anatomy and Physiology
  • CHE10002 Chemistry 2
  • CHE10007 Introduction to Forensic Science
  • CHE20006 Analytical and Forensic Chemistry
  • CHE20008 Investigative Organic Chemistry
  • CHE20009 Spectroscopy and Instrumentation
  • CHE30009 Surface and Colloid Chemistry
  • CHE30010 Inorganic Chemistry
  • LAW10027 Space Policy, Law and the New Space Economy
  • MTH10012 Calculus and Applications
  • NTR10001 Introduction to Nutrition
  • PEH20002 Food Science
  • PEH20005 Communicable Disease Control
  • PEH30004 Occupational Health and Safety
  • PHI10007 What is Power?
  • PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
  • PHY10004 Electronics and Electromagnetism
  • STA10003 Foundations of Statistics
     
Physics major
  • AER10001 Space Applications
  • AER20001 Space and Microgravity Science
  • AER20002 Space Environment, Data, Visualisation and Applications
  • BCH20002 Introduction to Biochemistry
  • BIO10003 Concepts of Biotechnology
  • CHE10002 Chemistry 2
  • CHE20009 Spectroscopy and Instrumentation
  • COS10009 Introduction to Programming
  • ENG10002 Engineering Materials
  • LAW10027 Space Policy, Law and the New Space Economy
  • MTH10012 Calculus and Applications
  • MTH10013 Linear Algebra and Applications
  • MTH20010 Statistics and Computation for Engineering
  • MTH20012 Series and Transforms
  • MTH20014 Mathematics 3B
  • MTH30001 Stochastic Modelling
  • MTH30002 Differential Equations
  • MTH30003 Numerical and Computational Mathematics
  • MTH30006 Optimisation
  • PHY10004 Electronics and Electromagnetism
  • PHY20004 Optics, Relativity and Subatomic Physics
  • PHY40001 Electromagnetic Waves
Find more detail about elective units

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • demonstrate a coherent understanding of science by articulating the methods of science, explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry and explain the role and relevance of science in society
  • exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one science disciplinary area
  • critically analyse and solve scientific problems by evaluating information from a range of sources, designing and planning an investigation, selecting and applying practical and theoretical techniques for that investigation and collecting, recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data
  • effectively communicate science by presenting information or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes using a variety of modes
  • adopt ownership of their own learning and scientific work by being independent and self-directed learners, working effectively and safely in an individual or team context, demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory framework relevant to the disciplinary area and practising ethical conduct
  • apply a series of thinking systems, creativity toolkits and innovation frameworks to design contextually-relevant solutions addressing local and global challenges in and outside their discipline
  • identify and articulate opportunities to innovate and create impact informed by user-centred research and/or data
  • adapt their discipline skillsets in new situations in response to complex and changing contexts, including interdisciplinary environments
  • facilitate and contribute to innovation teams that seek solutions to complex challenges, using inclusive collaboration practices to leverage different skills and perspectives
  • navigate commercial, human and technical requirements aided by prototyping and testing to deliver solutions that create value
  • communicate the value of experimentation, ideas and innovation with confidence in developing solutions to investors, potential partners, employers or other stakeholders
  • develop futures-focused innovations that integrate responsible social, technological and environmental factors

Career opportunities

Career outcomes will vary depending on discipline focus and individual majors, and complement discipline employability skills through innovation capabilities. The Bachelor of Science aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge and key theoretical insights required to work in a range of professional scientific environments.

Professional innovation roles graduates will have skills and attribute for include innovation consultant, innovation lead, innovation analyst, strategic designer, creative producer, start-up founder, human-centred researcher, self-employed entrepreneur, product manager, transformation lead, innovation strategist and innovation manager.

Course rules

To qualify for the Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Applied Innovation, students must complete 400 credit points:

  • 12 core units (150 credit points)
  • 6 units from Applied Innovation major (100 credit points)
  • 8 units from a Science major (100 credit points)
  • 4 units of other studies comprising of a minor, an advanced minor or electives (50 credit points)
     

Students must not complete more than 200 credit points (normally 16 units) at introductory level.

A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.

Professional placements

Domestic students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement through a competitive process. Please note that due to government regulation, international students holding a student visa are not able to undertake Professional Placements in this course.

Students who undertake a 12-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 475 credit points comprising:

  • 12 core units (150 credit points)
  • 6 units from Applied Innovation major (100 credit points)
  • 8 units from a Science major (100 credit points)
  • 2 units comprising of electives (25 credit points)
  • 4 units from the Professional Placement co-major (100 credit points)


Students who elect to undertake a 6-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 437.5 credit points comprising:

  • 12 core units (150 credit points)
  • 6 units from Applied Innovation major (100 credit points)
  • 8 units from a Science major (100 credit points)
  • 3 units comprising of electives (37.5 credit points)
  • 2 units from the Professional Placement minor (50 credit points)

Maximum academic credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Applied Innovation is 250 credit points (normally 20 units) with a maximum of 100 credit points of core/major units from each discipline and 50 credit points of electives.

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Entry requirements

A. Applicants with recent secondary education (within past three years)

ATAR

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

Guaranteed ATAR: if you receive an ATAR of 65 or higher and meet all the essential requirements for this course, you will be guaranteed an offer.

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history, including ATAR results, will be considered for entry into this course.

Selection rank adjustments 

Selection ranks for this course will be calculated based on your ATAR with adjustments to overall study scores based on subjects studied, location of your home address, SEAS application, and participation in Swinburne's Early Leaders program. For further details about selection rank adjustments, see Admissions at Swinburne

Subject Adjustments 

A study score of 25 in any Mathematics, Physical Education or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 10 points.

Meeting course prerequisites 

VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or at least 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.

VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics or equivalent.

Bridging courses

Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: Further bridging program.

ATAR profile for those offered places wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in Semester 1 2023

ATAR-Based offers only, across all offer rounds ATAR
Excluding adjustment factors
Selection Rank
ATAR + any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer <5 <5
Median rank to receive an offer <5 <5
Lowest rank to receive an offer <5 <5

Notes:
"<5" – the number of students is less than 5.

B. Applicants with higher education study

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history, including results from previous higher education study will be considered for entry into this course. If previous higher education qualifications are incomplete, results must have been obtained in the last seven years. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements.

Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English and applicants who do not meet the Mathematics prerequisite can sit the STAT Multiple Choice or successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: Further bridging program.

C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history from the past seven years, including complete and/or incomplete post-secondary VET studies, will be considered for entry into this course. Only graded results will be considered. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements.

Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English and applicants who do not meet the Mathematics prerequisite can sit the STAT Multiple Choice or successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: Further bridging program.

Mathematics study scores or prerequisites older than five years are not considered to have met course prerequisite requirements. STAT results are valid for two years.

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Entire academic record 

This course uses an applicant's entire academic record as part of its selection considerations, including an applicant's ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered for entry into this course. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements.

Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English and applicants who do not meet the Mathematics prerequisite can sit the STAT Multiple Choice or successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: Further bridging program.

Mathematics study scores or prerequisites older than five years are not considered to have met course prerequisite requirements. STAT results are valid for two years.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced in this course in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

  Semester 1, 2023
Applicant background Number of students Percentage of all students
(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) 0 0%
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study 0 0%
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) 0 0%
(D) Recent secondary education:    
Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) <5 <5
Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) N/A N/A
Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) 0 0
International students 0 0%
All students <5 100%

Notes:
“<5” – the number of students is less than 5.
N/A – students not accepted in this category.

Interested in the Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Applied Innovation?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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