Contents
- What is AI?
- Does the University of Glasgow permit the use of AI?
- How can I use AI without being accused of plagiarism or breaching the University’s Code of Student Conduct?
- What are the consequences of inappropriate use of AI in research and writing
- How to avoid accusations of plagiarism as a result of using AI tools
What is AI?
‘AI tools’ are tools and resources that, through machine learning, can mimic and replicate human behaviours. Tools that produce human-like responses are referred to as ‘generative AI’.
There are many AI platforms that are widely available, including ChatGPT, Google Bard and CoPilot. However, this area is expanding rapidly and the term ‘AI tools’ can refer to a much broader range of resources.
Does the University of Glasgow permit the use of AI?
The University understands and accepts that AI tools are increasingly used both in academic environments and the workplace. As such, the aim is to teach students about appropriate and effective use of AI so that these tools are used ethically, critically and transparently.
At the same time, its important that all students are aware that using AI in coursework, exams, research or study without acknowledgment is considered academic misconduct.
How can I use AI without being accused of plagiarism or breaching the University’s Code of Student Conduct?
The University’s Student Learning & Development Service have created a handy list of “do’s” and “don’ts” when it comes to using AI as part of your studies and we’ve included these below:
Do
- Acknowledge the use of any form of AI in your coursework for all submissions.
- Question the validity and accuracy of any output, data, results, and information you receive from AI tools.
- Ensure that all your submissions are the result of your own thought, workings, analysis, and critique.
- Keep up to date with your course guidelines and information around academic integrity and AI. Pay particular attention to your marking criteria and ILOs; it is your responsibility to demonstrate how you meet these.
- Be aware of how research AI tools are advertised: they'll often promise time-management and efficiency benefits but will in practice break academic integrity rules.
Don’t
- Assume that all AI tools are equally effective, equally responsible, equally resourceful, and equally capable of being used with academic integrity. AI tools replicate biased results, and do not provide contextualised, evaluated or critiqued evaluation of information.
- Pay for AI services or tools; your courses will never require you to pay for external software.
- Use AI tools as a replacement for your own understanding, analysis, or summary of a topic.
- Rely on AI to produce references, resources, materials or any other forms of content. AI is liable to produce 'hallucinations' where it can make up false information and references.
- Upload full copies of your work, essay questions, reports, results, and discussion into any AI tool. AI tools should not be used to conduct research or investigation into a topic. If your lecturers want you to use AI for specific activities, they will provide guidance on what is allowed or expected, and what is not.
SLD have an extensive student guide to AI usage on their website here and have also created an online course "AI for Students: Using AI tools in study & research" which you can enrol for here.
What are the consequences of inappropriate use of AI in research and writing?
Any work that you submit to the University will be assessed and marked on the basis that it is the result of your own efforts. It is essential that any use of AI tools in your research or writing process are acknowledged and appropriately cited. If you submit work that isn’t your own – including work produced through AI - then you may be the subject of a plagiarism investigation. If you are found to have plagiarised and breached the University’s Code of Student Conduct this can have serious consequences and may impact your ability to progress or graduate from your course.
Depending on the extent of the alleged plagiarism and your level of study, this investigation will be carried out by your School or the Senate Assessors for Student Conduct. SRC Advice Centre staff can advise on which process is likely to be used in your case, they can also assist you with understanding exactly what you've been accused of and help you prepare for any meetings or hearings you might have with the University on this.
If your work is found to contain plagiarism, sanctions can include a reprimand and/or reduction in your mark for minor cases, but more serious cases can result in much harsher penalties. You could be refused credit for the affected work without the opportunity to resubmit, or be refused credit for the whole course. In the most serious cases, a referral can be made to the Senate Conduct Committee who have the power to issue even more severe sanctions, including expulsion.
How to avoid accusations of plagiarism as a result of using AI tools
If you use AI in the research or writing of your work, you should cite it. The University has strict rules on how you should reference AI, so make sure you follow them.
You shouldn’t rely on AI to produce references, resources or materials. Any content produced by AI is susceptible to inaccuracy and bias. AI tools routinely provide false information (called ‘hallucinations’) and cannot access all relevant data, such as paid-for resources that can be accessed through the library.
You shouldn’t use AI to conduct research into a topic, unless directed to do so by teaching staff.
Avoid uploading full copies of your work, reports and essay questions into AI tools.
If you’re keen to explore the use of AI tools in your work, arrange an appointment with SLD before you start to make sure you know how to use these tools appropriately.