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| 1 | + |
| 2 | +AI-powered coding assistants can significantly accelerate your data science learning journey. However, it is critical to use them safely and in compliance with University regulations. |
| 3 | + |
| 4 | +## The "Traffic Light" System |
| 5 | + |
| 6 | +The University of Leeds uses a [traffic light system](https://generative-ai.leeds.ac.uk/ai-and-assessments/categories-of-assessments/) to indicate how AI can be used in assessments. **Always check your specific module guidelines.** |
| 7 | + |
| 8 | +- 🔴 **Red:** No AI permitted. You must do all the work yourself. |
| 9 | +- 🟠 **Amber:** AI permitted as a supportive tool (e.g., for ideation, debugging, or explaining concepts) but not for generating the final output. |
| 10 | +- 🟢 **Green:** AI is integral to the assessment and can be used freely (with appropriate acknowledgement). |
| 11 | + |
| 12 | +## 1. The "Official" Route (Safe for Coursework) |
| 13 | + |
| 14 | +**Microsoft 365 Copilot** (Enterprise) is the University-endorsed tool. |
| 15 | + |
| 16 | +* **Why:** This version is **private**. Your data is *not* used to train the model (see [University guidance on GenAI tools](https://generative-ai.leeds.ac.uk/intro-gen-ai/generative-ai-tools/)). This is the recommended tool for university work where AI is permitted. |
| 17 | +* **Access:** Log in to [Microsoft 365](https://www.microsoft365.com) with your University credentials (`@leeds.ac.uk`). |
| 18 | +* **Usage:** Use it to draft text, summarize documents, or explain code concepts securely. |
| 19 | + |
| 20 | +## 2. The "Developer" Route (For Personal Skills) |
| 21 | + |
| 22 | +**GitHub Copilot** is an industry-standard AI pair programmer. |
| 23 | + |
| 24 | +* **Context:** While excellent for coding, the standard/student version may not have the same data protections as the University's Enterprise tools. |
| 25 | +* **Usage:** Use this for **personal learning** and building your developer portfolio. |
| 26 | +* **Warning:** ⚠️ **Do not** paste unpublished assessment questions, sensitive research data, or participant information into these tools. |
| 27 | + |
| 28 | +### Getting Access (Student Pack) |
| 29 | + |
| 30 | +Students can get **free access** to the GitHub Student Developer Pack (a valuable industry perk): |
| 31 | + |
| 32 | +1. Visit [GitHub Education](https://education.github.com/) |
| 33 | +2. Apply for the Student Developer Pack using your `.ac.uk` email (for verification only). |
| 34 | +3. Once verified, you can install the GitHub Copilot extension in VS Code or RStudio. |
| 35 | + |
| 36 | +## Best Practices |
| 37 | + |
| 38 | +::: callout-tip |
| 39 | +### Writing Good Prompts |
| 40 | + |
| 41 | +- Write clear comments describing what you want to do |
| 42 | +- Use descriptive variable names |
| 43 | +- Break complex tasks into smaller steps |
| 44 | +::: |
| 45 | + |
| 46 | +**DOs** ✅ |
| 47 | + |
| 48 | +- Use AI to understand error messages |
| 49 | +- Ask AI to explain unfamiliar code |
| 50 | +- Use suggestions to learn new approaches |
| 51 | +- **Verify** AI-generated code before using it |
| 52 | + |
| 53 | +**DON'Ts** ❌ |
| 54 | + |
| 55 | +- Don't blindly copy-paste without understanding |
| 56 | +- Don't use AI to do all your work (you won't learn!) |
| 57 | +- **Don't share sensitive/personal data with AI tools** |
| 58 | +- Don't assume AI code is always correct |
| 59 | + |
| 60 | +::: callout-warning |
| 61 | +## Critical Thinking Required |
| 62 | + |
| 63 | +AI tools are powerful assistants, but they can make mistakes. Always review and test the code they generate! |
| 64 | +::: |
| 65 | + |
| 66 | +## Resources |
| 67 | + |
| 68 | +- [University of Leeds AI Guidance](https://library.leeds.ac.uk/info/1401/academic_skills/134/artificial_intelligence) |
| 69 | +- [Generative AI at Leeds](https://generative-ai.leeds.ac.uk/) |
| 70 | +- [AI Assessment Categories](https://generative-ai.leeds.ac.uk/ai-and-assessments/categories-of-assessments/) |
| 71 | +- [Microsoft 365 Copilot](https://www.microsoft365.com) |
| 72 | +- [GitHub Student Developer Pack](https://education.github.com/pack) |
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