Our AI Policy

Our AI Policy for Taught Courses

Because the Mathematics Department primarily relies on examinations to assess your understanding of the material you have studied, you are free to take advantage of AI tools to support your learning. For example, AI may help you summarise complex topics, explain unfamiliar concepts, or test your understanding when preparing for examinations.

However, AI tools must be used carefully. They can mask gaps in understanding, reinforce misconceptions, and give a false impression of mastery. This may leave you poorly prepared for examinations, where you must answer questions independently without access to AI. Moreover, AI tools may generate incorrect mathematics, fabricated references, or unreliable computer code.

The following principles govern the use of AI in coursework and other assessments not undertaken in controlled conditions:

• Submitting AI-generated material as if it were your own work constitutes academic misconduct.
• Students remain responsible for the correctness and understanding of submitted work, regardless of whether AI tools were used.
• The inability to explain submitted work may be treated as evidence of academic misconduct.

In addition:

• Check the rules. Module-specific rules may differ regarding the permitted use of AI in assessments. You must read and follow the rules for each module and assessment.
• Keep a record and declare use of AI where required. Modules with substantial assessed components will normally require a declaration describing the use of AI in completing the assessment. Specific declaration requirements may be provided as part of the assessment brief.

See also the general University policy on the use of AI here.

The Leiden Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics addresses the challenges posed by the use of artificial intelligence within mathematics research.

In addition, when it comes to AI and deciding if you want to use it, it is worth being aware of the following:

• The environmental impact of using AI is huge - in 2024, the Washington PostLink opens in a new window found that having ChatGPT generate one 100-word email used around 500ml of water, and enough electricity to power 14 light bulbs for an hour.
• AI data centres also continue to use large amounts of energy - something that will only continue to grow, as shown by WiredLink opens in a new window in 2025.
• A Microsoft study from 2025Link opens in a new window found that using Generative AI inhibits your critical thinking and problem solving skills. This was backed up with similar findings in a subsequent study at MITLink opens in a new window looking at the use of AI to help write essays.