Postgraduate taught 

Science Communications MSc

Generative AI in Scientific Communications BIOL5439

Generative AI in Scientific Communications BIOL5439

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: MVLS College Services
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No

Short Description

The world is becoming augmented by artificial intelligence (AI). Generative AI (GenAI) are now a part of our everyday lives. When prompted, large language models and AI image generators can rapidly generate specific responses and images, respectively. This course will introduce students to the use of LLMs and AI image generators in scientific communications and how to use these technologies appropriately, responsibly and ethically.

Timetable

This course will consist of lectures and workshops delivered over 5 weeks in semester 2.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment 

  1. Write an effective prompt for an LLM and an AI image generator, and generate a response and image on a current topic of the student’s choice with rationale (25%) (1000-1250 words) (ILO 1)
  2. Group debate on a relevant topic (25%). An element of the debate mark (10% of 25%) will be subject to staff assessment based on individual contribution. (ILO 2-4)
  3. Write an editorial on an LLM and AI image generator prompt and write a critical evaluation of the accompanying response and an AI generated image (50%) (1500-1750 words) (ILO 1-4)

Course Aims

This course aims to provide students with skills and knowledge to effectively use GenAI for generating scientific information and imagery. Students will learn how to effectively engineer prompts to generate responses and images and consider the scientific integrity and reliability of responses.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

  1. Critically evaluate the use of effective prompt engineering for generating scientific responses and images by LLMs and AI image generators, respectively, for intended audiences.
  2. Critically appraise the scientific integrity and reliability of responses generated by LLMs and how this relates to published, peer reviewed scientific literature.
  3. Critically assess the presence of bias in LLM responses and AI generated images and why these biases occur.
  4. Critically evaluate the necessity for regulation of the use of GenAI technology in scientific research.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course’s summative assessment.