Coffee Lectures: AI study tools

The debate surrounding the use of AI divides opinions as strongly at university as it does in public life. The advocates of AI praise its advantages, while sceptics emphasis its risks and shortcomings. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find a middle way between rejecting AI completely and embracing it unreservedly.

In our five-day webinar series we will present those aspects of AI to which you should pay particular attention in your research and study, and encourage you to adopt a safe and responsible approach to dealing with AI in general.

15-minute impulse lecture
followed by discussion and Q&A

Target group

Students

Schedule

The lectures will take place from 1:00 to 1:30 pm. Course language: German

Monday, 10 November 2025: AI and best academic practice

The use of AI causes anxiety in many people and raises new questions with regard to best academic practice. In this Coffee Lecture we will highlight the typical challenges and focus on those aspects of AI which particularly impact scholarly activities

Tuesday, 11 November 2025: Using AI in term papers: How do I tell my tutor?

Some tutors provide clear guidelines on the use of AI in term papers or final theses. Often, however, this information is not sufficient to clarify exactly how AI use is permitted in writing term and final papers, or indeed whether it is allowed at all. In this Coffee Lecture we will advise you how best to speak to your tutor about AI use, what questions to ask in case of uncertainly, and how to deal with unclear expectations with regard to academic writing.

Wednesday, 12 November 2025: Meaningful documentation of AI use in term papers and final theses

There are various ways for students to document their use of AI in their term and final papers. This Coffee Lecture provides instructors with an overview of the various approaches to documentation, along with practical recommendations on the methods generally considered to be both didactically sound and efficient, in both the writing and assessment processes.

Thursday, 13 November 2025: AI risks in focus I: Cognitive debt and sustainability

This Coffee Lecture explores the ways in which heavy reliance on AI can weaken our own ability to think and judge - a kind of “cognitive debt” we may end up paying in the long term. At the same time we will be examining the ecological impact of resource-hungry AI development, particularly with regard to its sustainability.

Friday, 14 November 2025: AI risks in focus II: Hallucinations and bias

This Coffee Lecture explains how AI systems generate false information through hallucinations, and the real threats this can pose for research, education and decision-making processes. It also demonstrates how algorithmic bias can reinforce existing inequalities, and the dangers resulting from it.