Frequently Asked Questions - Artifical Intelligence Framework

There will be a range of advice across the various modules and assignments, e.g.

• “You are allowed to use AI tools to assist in preparing and creating your coursework if you wish. If using AI tools, ensure that the final product remains accurate and that you have evaluated it critically. Any inaccuracies, hallucinations, etc. that remain are your responsibility!”
• “You are allowed to use AI tools to help you understand the sources, and/or to proof-read your text, but you should not use AI tools to draft the text for you.”
• “This assignment has been designed to be completed without the help of AI and should consist of your own ideas, written in your own words, supported by evidence from primary and secondary sources which are thoroughly, accurately and precisely referenced”.

Here are examples of what you could write:

• I have not used AI tools at any stage in the preparation of my assignment.
• I have used CoPilot/Grammarly/… to help me proof-read my text. My submission is my own work and reflects my own learning.
• I have used CoPilot/… to help me draft the structure of this assignment. Beyond this, my submission is my own work.
• I have used (AI tool) to create images to illustrate my presentation/text. These are the prompts I have used:…
• I have used (AI tool) to summarize the following publications for me:… I have then critically checked and evaluated these summaries before using them in my work.
• I provided CoPilot with three words and asked it to generate a story of about 50 words, after which I used the text to create a cloze test for part of the assignment. All AI-generated work was carefully reviewed.
• I made use of CoPilot to assist in paraphrasing and improving the clarity of text. No AI tools were used for the generation of research hypotheses or the writing of conclusions. The final manuscript was authored and reviewed by me without additional AI input.

What you submit is YOUR text. You need to own it, whether produced with the help of AI or not. If you submit hallucinations, that’s on you! If the AI produced accidental quotes that are not attributed properly, you will be held accountable for the plagiarized passage.

You are allowed to use the tool of your choice, incl. AI (e.g. Grammarly) for proof-reading. This is legitimate even for assignments where the instructions discourage AI use for other steps. If you are dyslexic and rely on such tools, please be assured that this use continues to be allowed.

Learning is hard, so use AI to help you with learning, NOT to avoid the learning process. Take a look at the privacy settings of the tools! Use CoPilot rather than ChatGPT. CoPilot comes with your Microsoft Office campus licence and has better privacy settings. The model behind it is the same as the premium version of ChatGPT.

It’s a good idea to keep a (digital) paper trail of your work.

• Take screenshots of your library searches.
• Keep notes of everything you have read - with dates.
• Save the notes you take while working on your assignment.
• Keep copies of the drafts as you work on your assignment day by day.
• Keep the draft before you do any proof-reading or ask someone else or an app to help you proofread your text.

Yes, but with caution. You must follow the University, and funding body guidelines. Please refer to Swansea University guidance on use of Gen AI Research and Innovation Artificial Intelligence Framework: Researchers - Swansea University for further information.

Answer: It may be allowed for idea generation, summarization, or language refinement, but not for generating original arguments or analysis. Doctoral writing must reflect your own intellectual oversight and critical thinking. Please speak to your research supervisor for further guidance and advice.

Answer: Advice on how to declare Gen AI usage can be found in the Guidance for Swansea University Researchers on Generative AI. Additional advice can be sought from your postgraduate research Supervisor or Postgraduate Research Support office PGR Researcher Development - Swansea University

Answer: No, unless using institutionally approved platforms (e.g. Microsoft Copilot). Uploading sensitive or licensed content to public tools may breach data protection and copyright agreements. Please contact Data Protection - Swansea University.

Answer: Key risks include:

• Misinformation or outdated responses
• inaccurate citations
• Bias and stereotypes
• Privacy breaches
• Loss of originality

AI comments are not always culturally relevant in minority cultures.

Further information can be found: Embracing AI with integrity - UK Research Integrity Office

Answer: Examples that GenAI can assist with are:

• Drafting outlines
• Proofreading
• Brainstorming research questions
• Generating code or data visualizations (with verification)
• Literature review summaries. The literature review summaries should be verified or checked for accuracy before insertion because reliance on AI-generated summaries without an awareness of the source text can produce inaccurate results.

Answer: Yes, the University provides access to secure versions of tools like: Microsoft Copilot.

Answer: Possibly, but outputs must be critically reviewed and rewritten. Disclosure may be required depending on the funding body’s policies.

Answer: Access to regular webinars on Gen AI from the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) is available to all research students using their Swansea University email address. Access to online training on Research Integrity (including the safe use of Gen AI) is available on Canvas for any postgraduate research student. Please contact the postgraduate research office pgrtraining@swansea.ac.uk for further information.

Gen AI workshops are available for students at the Centre for Academic Success.

Answer: When in doubt, always consult your Supervisor or Postgraduate Research Support office PGR Researcher Development - Swansea University or pgrtraining@swansea.ac.uk

Answer: There is a library guide which gives you advice about using AI resources for finding information, searching for literature and referencing here:  AI in the Library

There is a Welsh language version of this guide here: AI yn y Llyfrgell

Answer: Yes, but you should define clear boundaries. Please consult the guidance provided to students regarding assignments.

Answer: Strategies include:

• Using oral or in-class components
• Requiring process documentation or reflections
• Designing tasks that require personal experience or critical analysis with the understanding that Gen AI can undertake critical analysis well.
• Including critique of AI-generated content

You can consult your academic colleagues for advice.

Answer: Detection tools exist but are imperfect. Staff are encouraged to look for:

• Unusual phrasing or structure
• Lack of personal voice
• Inconsistencies with previous work
• Use of falsified references

Answer: Using Gen AI could lead to

• Academic misconduct cases
• Over-reliance on AI
• Bias in AI-generated content
• Data privacy concerns

AI comments are not always culturally relevant for minority cultures.

Answer: GenAI can support:

• Drafting lesson plans
• Creating quizzes and summaries
• Generating feedback templates

Supporting inclusive learning through differentiated materials 

Answer: Yes. The University recommends open conversations about ethical use, limitations, and critical evaluation of AI-generated content.

Answer: The University has resources Artificial Intelligence Framework: Teaching Staff - Swansea University. Online training on Research Integrity that covers aspects of Generative Artificial intelligence is available to staff. Please contact researchintegritytraining@swansea.ac.uk for further information. The UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) Expert webinars - UK Research Integrity Office provides regular webinars on Gen AI. Staff and students can access these webinars using their university email address to register. Useful policy information and guidance is also available from the webpages of the UK Research and Innovations Office (UKRI) and the JISC webpages.

Answer: Staff should follow:

Artificial Intelligence Framework: Teaching Staff - Swansea University e.g. Swansea University Guidance on Artificial Intelligence, Swansea University Assessment Marking and Feedback Policy along with the Academic Misconduct Procedure.

Answer: Yes, with caution. GenAI can assist with literature reviews, coding, writing, and idea generation, but outputs should be critically evaluated and properly cited.

Answer: Swansea University’s Assessment Marking and Feedback Policy and the Academic misconduct procedure provides support if Gen AI misuse is suspected.

Answer: Yes, but usage must comply with institutional policies on data privacy, copyright, and ethical research practices. The university requires all research to undergo an ethical risk assessment. Please complete the online application form for an ethics review of your research project. Online Research Ethics System - Swansea University

Answer: The university provides access to Microsoft Copilot through institutional accounts. This tool comes with enhanced privacy and governance features.

Answer: It is generally not advisable to upload research data on Gen AI platforms without proper authorisation or consent. Please contact dataprotection@swansea.ac.uk with your query prior to doing so.

Answer: Citation styles like APA, can be found: Artificial Intelligence Framework: Researchers - Swansea University. Research funders and publishers may require a researcher to use a specific citation style for academic publications.

Answer: Risks include:

• Misinformation or hallucinated outputs
• Bias in generated content
• Copyright infringement
• Data leakage
• Over-reliance on automation

AI comments are not always culturally relevant for minority cultures.

Answer: Yes, but with caution. Some funders may require disclosure of AI use. The University advises researchers to critically evaluate GenAI outputs and maintain transparency.

Answer: Online training on Research Integrity that covers aspects of Generative Artificial intelligence is available to staff. Please contact researchintegritytraining@swansea.ac.uk for further information.

The UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) Expert webinars - UK Research Integrity Office provides regular webinars on Gen AI. Staff can access these webinars using their university email address to register.

Useful policy information and guidance is also available from the webpages of the UK Research and Innovations Office (UKRI) and the JISC webpages.

Answer: Yes, with caution. GenAI can assist with data analysis, coding, and research workflows, but outputs should be critically evaluated and properly cited.

Answer: Please contact researchmisconduct@swansea.ac.uk

 Research Misconduct - Swansea University

Answer: GenAI can support:

• Drafting emails and reports.
• Creating meeting agendas and project plans
• Reframing complex policies for different audiences
• Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), FAQs, and training materials
• Processing survey responses and feedback

Answer: Yes, when used responsibly. Staff are encouraged to use GenAI (Microsoft Copilot) for efficiency and innovation, but outputs must be reviewed and contextualized before use.

Answer: The University provides access to Microsoft Copilot

Answer: Uploading sensitive or licensed data into public tools is prohibited due to privacy and copyright risks.

Answer: Risks include:

• Misinformation or hallucinated content
• Bias in generated outputs
• Data privacy breaches
• Over-reliance on AI for decision-making

AI comments are not always culturally relevant for minority cultures.

Answer: GenAI can:

• Simplify technical language for non-specialist audiences
• Translate or adapt content for diverse needs
• Support neurodivergent staff with communication tasks

Answer: Online training on Research Integrity that covers aspects of Generative Artificial intelligence is available to Research Managers and Staff processing research funding applications. Please contact researchintegritytraining@swansea.ac.uk for further information.

The UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) provides regular webinars on Gen AI. All Professional Services Staff can access these webinars using their university email address to register.

Answer: Seek advice regarding:

• Data handling practices
• Compliance with university policies
• Accessibility and reliability of outputs

Contact Digital Services for further information IT Service Desk Portal or ITservicedesk@swansea.ac.uk

Answer: Yes. GenAI can help brainstorm ideas, outline strategic documents, and support innovation workflows—provided outputs are critically reviewed.

Answer: Artificial Intelligence Framework: Professional Staff - Swansea University