Scope: Policy for the Final Module of the Minor Digital Science (5)

This policy applies to the module (5) Data Analysis Lab.

Definition: Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools are frameworks that create new content based on user input (prompts) and pre-trained neural networks. These tools can be accessed directly or through other frameworks, such as integrated development environments or web pages. Prominent examples are ChatGPT, GitHub copilot, etc.

Rules: We treat AI-based assistance, such as ChatGPT and Github Copilot, the same way we treat collaboration with other people: you are welcome to talk about your ideas and work with other people, both inside and outside the class, as well as with AI-based assistants. However, all work you submit must be your own. You should never include in your assignment anything that was not written directly by you without proper citation (including quotation marks and in-line citation for direct quotes). Including anything you did not write in your report or presentation without proper citation will be treated as academic misconduct.

Data Analysis Lab consists mainly of project work, usually done in small groups, which involves programming and data analysis. In order to make sure that the work is yours we ask you to adhere to the following rules:

  1. Keep track of your progress and record it to have a proof of your own work and contributions
    • record the history or code development, after each major change or periodically (you can set the maximum time interval for recording)
    • this applies to code, data and the versions of your reports
    • submit such recorded progress as the evidence of your work after the project completion. The teachers may use it to make sure about your own contributions and effort, and may ask you detailed questions about that.
  2. Use of Generative AI tools is allowed only for:
    • routine tasks such as minor steps of data processing
    • text editing, polishing and grammar correction This means that you cannot use Gen AI tools for ideation, generating large and crucial chunks of code, or for directly processing data.
  3. If you decide to use code provided by Gen AI tools:
    • you must run it by yourself
    • record the code you used
    • make sure to verify for code and result correctness
    • record the verification steps you took to assure code and result correctness
  4. Scientific code of conduct still applies to the full extent, including your own responsibility

Part of the above rules are from the policy by David Joyner, also shared on Twitter, Rights: Creative Commons 4.0 By