AI competencies in studies and teaching

The development of generative artificial intelligence is currently advancing at a rapid pace. It will increasingly permeate everyday human life and the world of work. Students should therefore learn to work cooperatively with AI during their studies and adopt a critical and reflective attitude.

Objectives and motivation of the guideline

This guideline offers teachers and students practical tips and background information to strengthen their AI skills, promote the ethically and legally responsible use of AI tools in teaching and learning, uphold scientific standards, and critically develop teaching and examination formats with regard to AI potential.

Ethics in the use of AI

  • High energy and material consumption – Is the use of AI really necessary and resource-efficient?
  • Data protection, manipulation, wrong decisions, political influence, and social and labor market consequences.
  • Commercial AI often exploits human creativity without compensation – how can a fair balance be achieved?

Use of generative AI

  • Use AI responsibly – check legal, ethical, and data protection aspects before use.
  • AI-generated content may only be used in scientific work if it is marked as such and has been reviewed by experts. AI is permissible if it aids learning – it is impermissible if it replaces thinking.
  • AI is a tool that can be used for good or evil. It is important to be aware of the risks and opportunities associated with its use.

Good scientific practice

  • The use of AI in academic work must be identifiable and documented (e.g., list of tools with tool, form of use, own contribution).
  • Citation standards and legal requirements for the use of external tools must be observed.
  • Teachers can allow or prohibit the use of AI for didactic reasons — however, verification is often difficult.

Design of teaching and exams

  • The use of AI can be permitted, restricted or prohibited depending on the learning objective.
  • Promote reflective use of AI, provide good examples, and establish clear rules for documentation.
  • Examination formats must be adapted: more challenging tasks in cooperation with AI and more supervised examinations on site.

Learning objectives for AI competencies

  • Students can explain how generative AI works (e.g., non-deterministic output, hallucinations) and assess its potential and limitations.
  • They master prompting and use AI reflectively to support scientific writing (e.g., fact checking, source comparison, and text revision).
  • Students correctly apply the rules of good scientific practice (e.g., citation, documentation) and consider legal and ethical implications when using AI.

Consulting, training, and AI toolbox

  • The Center for Educational Development and Technology (HDA) offers workshops and advice on studying and teaching with artificial intelligence.

Guidelines on generative AI for students and lecturers at TU Darmstadt

Language: English
Dated: 10 July 2025
Version 1.0

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Sprache: Deutsch
Stand: 10.07.2025
Version 1.0

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Set of slides on rules for the use of generative artificial intelligence in classes

Sprache: Deutsch
Stand: 14.10.2025
Version 3.0

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Language: English
Dated: -
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Work in Progress