Guidelines for the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in student work coursework, dissertations and doctoral theses at the Faculty of Physics

Algorithms based on ‘artificial intelligence’ (AI) are both a working tool and the subject of active research in physics. It is therefore our aim to familiarise students with the responsible use of this technology, particularly with regard to the considerable potential for increasing productivity, but also with regard to the problems that can arise in the quality assurance of scientific results.

The use of so-called ‘generative artificial intelligence’ to create texts and images or graphics in text documents such as theses or scientific publications is problematic with regard to the traceability of authorship and ensuring the quality of the sources used. In the case of student work, the assessment of the achievement of the learning objectives and the author's acquired expertise, which is the basis for the assessment, must not be impaired by the use of AI.

Delimitation

• Generative artificial intelligence (AI) refers to processes in which algorithms generate texts, translations, images and software code, for example.
• The target group of this handout are students and doctoral candidates at the KIT Faculty of Physics. It provides information on how generative AI can be used in the creation of student work in degree programmes, theses and doctoral theses.
• This handout does not replace the specific rules for the preparation of such theses, which are drawn up by lecturers of the faculty for specific areas. In case of doubt, direct contact should be sought with the supervisor. Lecturers support students in the targeted use of artificial intelligence methods.

Rules on the use of artificial intelligence methods

• The use of AI to familiarise students with new subject areas, to help with research and to structure content is permitted.
• The use of AI for grammatical or stylistic improvement of texts is permitted, but the tools used must be specified.
• Any other use of AI for examinations and assessments (final theses, seminar presentations, practical course reports or assignments and exercise sheets, etc.) is not permitted.
• The use of generative AI may under no circumstances replace the achievement of the learning objectives and competences defined in a module.
• Responsibility for the text, the accuracy of its content and the correct citation of primary sources lies with the author and cannot be transferred to an AI. The rules for safeguarding good scientific practice of the KIT explicitly apply.
• The unauthorised use of AI methods or the lack of documentation of their use will be assessed as an attempt to deceive.