In this course, you are allowed and encouraged to use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools for completing take-home assignments and the final project. You are also allowed to use GenAI tools for non-graded interactive exercises in class. Throughout the course, we will explicitly discuss and practice how to use Claude or ChatGPT for Python programming and data science. You are encouraged to experiment with new GenAI tools and new use cases of these tools not explicitly discussed in the class.

The only occasion in which GenAI usage is not allowed is the in-class Python quiz during the second week of the course.

Beware that GenAI tools are not always dependable or precise sources of information, and they may produce content that is plagiarized, irrelevant, or incorrect. Therefore, you are strongly suggested to apply caution to any information provided by a GenAI tool, and to verify its accuracy through alternative means (such as testing AI-generated code, asking the instructor, and searching online sources to confirm).

Here are examples of effective GenAI usage that are encouraged in this course:

• GenAI (e.g., Claude/ChatGPT/GitHub Copilot) as a coding tutor: You can ask a GenAI tool to explain an expression or code snippet to help you understand its syntax and functionality
• GenAI (e.g., Claude/ChatGPT/GitHub Copilot) as a code generator: You can ask a GenAI tool to write small segments of Python code for a specific task, which you can then incorporate into your own work; in this case, you must check the AI-generated code, understand it sufficiently, verify that it does what you intended for it to do, and appropriately cite the GenAI tool in your assignment along with your prompts before submitting the assignment

Here are examples of potentially harmful GenAI usage that are discouraged in this course:

• Blind code generation without checking output: You are discouraged from copy-pasting entire assignments or instructions (without reading or understanding them) to a GenAI tool, to obtain entire Python programs written by AI that you will then copy-paste back into your assignment (without understanding what the code does)
• Becoming overly reliant on GenAI as a source of truth: You should be aware that especially for more advanced topics and concepts (and depending on which LLMs you use), it is highly likely that you will receive some responses from the AI that sound plausible but are partially or completely incorrect

In principle, try to use GenAI tools to

• Help you acquire knowledge and skills faster
• Complement your knowledge and skills to achieve higher quality and creativity in real-world tasks

Follow updates to SSE’s Guidelines on the use of Generative AI here