The HEART project explored the impact of generative AI on 3rd-level education in Ireland, using modules delivered in the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science (SBES) at University College Dublin. We wish to thank the Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement (SATLE) fund for making this project possible.

The HEART project was a collaborative work of faculty and admin staff, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students. This way we ensured that diversity of perspectives on the use of generative AI in higher education was captured effectively. Two key aims of the project were (1) to explore strategies for responsible use of generative AI, and development of AI resilient assessment in science teaching at university level, (2) to explore the perceived impact of AI tools, such as ChatGPT in context of academic integrity among students and staff.

This report presents the key recommendations, sources and data collected during the HEART project (2023 to 2024), including mini surveys, questionnaires, and workshop plans that are free to use by anyone, as well as suggestions on how to improve the AI resilience of used assessment strategies. While the project was embedded in the SBES and focused on third level science teaching, we believe that some of the findings and recommendations may be of interest to the broad community of university level educators and students. Overall, the project highlighted the clear need for guidelines and training on how generative AI can be used in teaching and learning in third level education, in a way supporting student learning but at the same time ensuring that academic integrity is safeguarded.