Chemistry

Before you start, answer the following:

• Does your instructor allow the use of the AI tool you are going to use? If yes, does your instructor allow the specific usage of the tool in the way you are considering?

• Do you understand the assignment parameters on how and when you are allowed to use AI for the assignment?

While doing the assignment:

• Are you saving your searches to document your use, per your instructor's requirements?

• Are you using your own "thoughts, words, and tone of voice?"

• Have you checked any citations generated by the AI engine for accuracy?

• Have you analyzed the results for any "false, biased, or harmful information?"

• Have you appropriately cited the AI engine you've used according to the standards of your class and instructor?

• Have you used any "confidential, protected, or copyrighted information" inappropriately?

After the completion of the assignment:

• Can you explain the results of your work and demonstrate that you understand them without assistance?

• Can you "prove what sources" you used and the method you used to verify the information?

Book, C., et el. (2024). A student guide to navigating college in the artificial intelligence era. [infographic] Elon University. https://studentguidetoai.org/download-the-student-guide-to-ai/

What are some better ways that I can use Generative AI in research?

• ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others are decent tools for brainstorming and forming connections between different ideas.

• Example prompt:

• I’m an upper-level biology student taking a cellular and molecular biology course. Could you suggest possible research questions related to how cell membranes regulate transport of molecules? Please give me some narrower, researchable questions and also some broader themes I could explore further.

• Personally, I would recommend being highly specific in what you're asking for (possible research questions, broader themes), rather than having it give you an essay in response. The goal would be forming connections between disparate topics that you are already familiar with. You would then research within a database (or even Scopus AI) along those themes/topics, building evidence from citations you've found to back up those overall themes the AI engine provided.

• ChatGPT and other, non-research generative AI engines often make up citations that don't exist. Do not trust any citations it may give you.

• Prompt Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT to provide search terms that you can then turn around and use in a specific database.

• Example: What Boolean search terms can I use to find relevant, peer-reviewed articles in the database ScienceDirect about how CRISPR-Cas9 is used to edit genes in plant cells? 

• Note: Search terms and strings will look different in different databases. Say exactly which database you'd like to use. It may also prompt you if you'd like to see more specific terms and fields. These can be helpful to dig even deeper, especially if you are starting with a broad topic.

• It may also provide search tips such as using facets, filters, quotation marks, and Subject/Thesaurus terms. If you run into any difficulty with understanding how to use these, contact me, and I'll help you through it!

• Use designated research-focused AI tools to get directed to vetted scholarly sources.

• Examples include Scopus AI, Perplexity, and Keenious.

• These have a much lower chance of hallucination, because the sources are limited to vetted scholarly content.

• It is still important to check the original works, however, to ensure the AI takeaways are accurate to the point you're trying to make.

• I would recommend documenting your use to show how you utilized the tool(s).

Ethical Considerations

• Generative AI sources are often kept opaque. Not only is it difficult to find where an AI has gotten its information, but also any private information you input may be shared with others without your knowledge or permission.

• Generative AI has been trained on copyrighted material and intellectual property used without consent.

• Disclose AI use as required and be ready to demonstrate your own understanding and skills. If you are unsure about the guidelines on acceptable AI use, ask your instructor.

Environmental Considerations

• The energy needed to run the systems that provide the computations behind an AI such as ChatGPT have an immense environmental impact, especially when scaled to the amount of use it sees on a daily basis.

• "The soaring electricity demands of data centers and A.I. are straining the grid in some areas, pushing up emissions and slowing the energy transition." (Gelles)

Citing Generative AI

• Do cite or acknowledge the outputs of generative AI tools when you use them in your work. This includes direct quotations and paraphrasing, as well as using the tool for tasks like editing, translating, idea generation, and data processing. Most manuals of style (APA, Chicago, AMA, etc.) have guidance on how to cite AI within their styles.

• Do not use sources that are cited/summarized/mentioned by AI tools without reading those sources yourself.

Gelles, David. A.I.’s Insatiable Appetite for Energy. NYT, July 11, 2024