Thesis
Information on Approved Tools (especially AI-based Software)
Last change: Jan. 8th, 2025
This is a translated version of the original german document. In case there are discrepancies, the german wording takes precedence!
Summary
This list and additional information are based on UDE’s AI guidelines and information available on the UDE AI Portal. More information and access to tools are available there.
AI-based tools that can be used for coursework are listed in the table below. This list is not exhaustive and subject to change.
When using AI-generated content, verification of factual accuracy is required. The author remains responsible for all content. AI-generated content must be properly cited. More information on citing AI tools can be found here.
Full Text
The basic requirement for accurate performance assessment is that examinees complete their work independently and without unauthorized assistance or aids, unless specifically permitted.
The listed digital tools, including AI-supported ones, are approved for use in examinations with appropriate citation when required.
Students are responsible for all submitted work, including AI-generated content. Even when tools are approved, results must be verified for accuracy, relevance, and compliance with examination requirements.
Given rapid technological advances in digital and AI tools, the table may not include all tools. If you wish to use an unlisted tool that doesn’t compromise work independence, consult with your examiner. Usage without examiner approval is prohibited.
List of Approved Software Categories
Tools not fitting these categories require supervisor approval. This table may be updated.
| Tool (with technical limitations) | Permitted Use | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Word or similar word processors without AI plugins/addins (e.g., Co-Pilot) | All purposes | None |
| Google or similar search engines | (Literature) research | None |
| ChatGPT and other LLMs available through UDE’s ChatAI access | Material search, literature research, reference management, source evaluation (e.g., summaries) | None |
| " | Brainstorming, text conception, structuring, argument validation | Written documentation of tool usage |
| " | Text suggestions, citation of AI outputs, content and editorial revision | Citation of affected passages; prompts and AI responses as appendix (see https://style.mla.org/citing-generative-ai/) |
| DeepL or similar AI translation tools | Translating foreign texts for comprehension | None |
| " | Including translated passages in text | Citation of affected passages following the regular rules for citation; prompts and AI responses as appendix |
| DALL-E or similar image generation AI tools | Including AI-generated images/graphics (edited or unedited) | Citation of affected images/graphics following the regular rules for citation; prompts and AI-generated image data as appendix (see https://style.mla.org/citing-generative-ai/) |
| ChatGPT and other LLMs available through UDE’s ChatAI access | Data preparation and analysis | Written documentation of tool usage |
| " | Creating tables, visualizations, data verbalization | Citation of tables, graphics, and verbalizations; prompts and AI responses as appendix |
| ChatGPT and other LLMs available through UDE’s ChatAI access | Code generation (including partial) | Written documentation of tool usage and submission of complete source code |