Studying Effectively
3D rendered classic sculpture

Using generative AI

Understand where to use artificial intelligence (AI) appropriately for your studies and in preparation for your future.

Study resource: Generative AI
 

Go to: What is AI?  |  Generative AI and your studies  |  University of Nottingham policy  |  Acknowledging and referencing the use of AI

It is important to understanding how to use generative AI responsibly in your studies, and where this is and is not appropriate. Always check with your course tutors before using generative AI. 
 

What is AI?

 “Artificial intelligence, or AI, is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.” (IBM, 2024)
 

Increasingly, the use of AI tools is becoming common practice in a variety of industries, which means that understanding how to use generative AI effectively and responsibly will be a key skill for future employment.

 

Back to the top

Generative AI and your studies

Generative AI (GenAI) tools, like ChatGPT or Copilot, are not true or 'general' AI (AGI). Generative AI only mimics intelligence through prediction and pattern recognition. Based on neural networks trained on enormous quantities of data, these tools create outputs based on probability.

Text generators use large language models (LLMs) to generate text in response to prompts, and an increasing number of generative AI tools now work across text, images, and video.

While university policy does allow for the use of things like spelling and grammar checkers for written assignments, generative AI should not be used unless you have been given permission by your tutors for a particular assignment or module.

Support with your academic writing is available on Studying effectively or from the Learning Development (Academic Skills) team.

 

Back to the top

University of Nottingham policy

Unauthorised or unacknowledged use of ChatGPT (or similar tools) to generate content for assignments will be considered academic misconduct and will carry similar penalties: 

The submission of work that is generated and/or improved by software that is not permitted for that assessment, for the purpose of gaining marks will be regarded as false authorship and seen as an attempt to gain an unpermitted academic advantage. 

Key points to remember: 

Content created or significantly modified by generative AI, whether text, code, images, or video, is not considered to be your own work.  

  • Always consult your school or department on acceptable use
  • Always fact-check any information generated using AI
  • Always be transparent in acknowledging your use of generative AI
 

AI at Nottingham learning resource

To learn more about generative AI, the issues surrounding it, the university’s policy and approach, and its implications for your studies, you should work through the following resource:

Study resource: Generative Artificial Intelligence guidance for students

 

Back to the top

Acknowledging and referencing the use of GenAI

Acknowledging the use of AI

If you are permitted to use generative AI to help develop your ideas, to research, or to plan your writing, this must be acknowledged appropriately, even if you do not include any generated content in your assessment. Your tutors should provide guidance on how to do this.

Generally, you should acknowledge the use of generative AI tools by including a:

  • statement of acknowledgment
  • description of use

Acknowledgement statements 

See the examples below of statements that you can use to do this. You may also include a chat transcript as an appendix. You can save your interactions with the AI tool by right clicking on the webpage and selecting ‘Save as’, or by taking a screenshot.

Used AI to enhance background understanding

I acknowledge the use of [name of AI tool(s)] to source background information. I confirm that

  1. I am responsible for the accuracy of this information, and that
  2. no content generated by AI has been presented as my own work.
 
Used AI to generate content (e.g., a plan or outline)

I acknowledge the use of [name of AI tool(s)] to generate material, which has been modified and adapted to include within my assessment.

I confirm that no content generated by AI has been presented as my own work.

 
 

Used AI to improve your writing or grammar

I acknowledge the use of [name of AI tool(s)] to identify and improve grammatical errors within this assessment.

I confirm that the original content was not generated by AI and is my own work. 

 
 
 

Referencing the use of generative AI

There are many referencing styles used across the university. You should always follow the guidance given by your school or department (e.g., in an assessment handbook) or by your tutor when referencing the use of generative AI.


Specific examples of how to cite AI-generated content can be viewed in Cite Them Right, and in the University of Nottingham Referencing Styles Guide.  

The typical information required when referencing the use of generative AI is as follows: 

  • Name of the AI tool
  • Date generated
  • Short description of information generated

You should also save a transcript of your chat with the AI tool, in case this is required in future. 

 

Back to the top

Continue your journey

You may also be interested in: 

Further support

Student
services

 

Disability support service

 

Language and communication skills

 
 

 

Studying Effectively

Kings Meadow Campus
Lenton Lane
Nottingham, NG7 2NR

telephone: +44 (0) 115 951 5151
fax: +44 (0) 115 951 3666
Contact us