Welcome to Biol 7901

Artificial Intelligence in Biological Research and Education

Goals for the seminar

Semester overview

Part 1 (Weeks 2-3). What is AI, and how does it work?

Part 2 (Weeks 4-8). Applications of AI in ecology and evolution

Part 3 (Weeks 9-10). AI in education

Part 4 (Weeks 11-13). Ethics and society

Part 5 (Week 15). Synthesis and next semester outlook

Role of discussion leader

Each week, all seminar participants will read an article (or listen to a podcast episode, explore using an AI tool, etc.)

The discussion leader is tasked with coordinating an inclusive and productive in-class conversation about the lessons learned, questions raised, and implications of the assigned content.

Role of synthesis leader

Throughout the seminar and afterwards, the synthesis leader will take notes and write a summary/synthesis of the discussion (see course website).

Although the synthesis leader is responsible for creating this writeup, all students should read and add to the synthesis as appropriate.

Grades

We expect each student to serve as Discussion Leader once, and as Synthesis leader once.

We also expect all students to engage in each week’s discussion. If we find that you repeatedly are not engaging (e.g. not attending, attending but working on other things), we will ask you to rectify this.

If you have an unavoidable conflict, please give us a heads up. If emergencies arise, we will understand.

Introductions

  1. Name, lab, year in program, and research overview

  2. Engagement with AI tools in research/education context

  3. Your goals for this seminar

  4. Any topics you are interested in beyond those listed already?