S09 AI
What is AI?
AI is machines that learn from examples. Generative AI (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot) creates text, images and code. Such a system predicts the next word. It does not understand things the way a person does.
AI is the big field. Machine learning sits inside it, deep learning inside that, and generative AI is the part that creates new content.
Learns from examples
There are no fixed rules. The system finds patterns itself.
Generative AI creates something new
Text, images, code and video.
It is not a person
It predicts. It does not understand.
How a chatbot answers
1. Trained on text
Huge amounts of books, websites and code.
2. Predicts the next word
It picks the most likely continuation, word by word.
3. Sounds sure
The answer reads smoothly, even when the facts are wrong.
A confident but false answer is called a hallucination. So always check.
AI in your field
HLO
Image analysis
Helps sift through microscope images of cells and blood samples.
Quality control
Spots unusual patterns in measurement results.
Reading and planning
Summarises papers and writes a first draft of a protocol. Always check it.
ELECTRO
Predictive maintenance
Sensors and AI warn you before a motor or transformer fails.
Smart grids
Forecasts demand for power and the output of solar energy to balance supply and demand.
Design and fault-finding
Explains datasheets and writes a first draft of code. Check the numbers.
The prompt recipe: R-T-C-F
A good prompt has four parts:
- Role: who should the AI act as?
- Task: what exactly must it do?
- Context: who is it for, and in which situation?
- Format: list, table, length, language.
A weak example: “Explain safety.”
A better example: “Act as a practical instructor. Give 5 safety rules for first-year students in their first practical session. Numbered list, maximum 80 words.”
Prompting is iterating: ask follow-up questions and improve step by step. Use the fill-in card below to prepare your prompt.
R-T-C-F prompt card
Download WordFill in the card before you give your prompt to the AI.
| Letter | Question | My prompt |
|---|---|---|
| R Role | Who should the AI act as? | |
| T Task | What exactly must it do? | |
| C Context | Who is it for, and in which situation? | |
| F Format | List, table, length, language? |
Four habits for checking
Check the source
Does the link or reference really exist?
Cross-check
Compare it with your own notes and two other sources.
Test it yourself
Do the numbers and common sense add up?
Declare your AI use
Write down the tool, the prompt and the date.
Three rules
Declare it
Always say that you used AI.
Verify it
Do not copy anything without checking.
Protect data
Never paste personal or confidential information into a chatbot.
You are responsible for what you hand in. Use AI as a coach, not as a substitute for your own thinking. Rules differ per course: ask your lecturer.
Practise yourself
In the session you do two rounds. You can repeat them on your own.
Round 1: prompt duel
With a partner, pick a topic from your studies. Write a weak prompt and a better R-T-C-F prompt. Run both. What changed?
Round 2: error hunt
Your trainer shows an AI answer with 3 mistakes. Find them and explain how you checked.
Reflect
Discuss with your neighbour, then share with the group:
- What made the prompt better?
- How did you catch the mistakes?
Remember the three rules: declare it, verify it, protect data.