Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

GUIDELINE FOR MANAGING GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE USAGE IN POSTGRADUATE THESIS INTRODUCTION 1. Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) applications (refer to examples in Appendix 1) can be highly beneficial for thesis preparation, but students need to use it responsibly. It can assist in various tasks such as literature review, summarizing research papers, generating ideas, organizing content, and proofreading. GAI tools can also help with data analysis, creating visualizations, and structuring arguments. However, students should be mindful of over-relying on AI, ensuring that their work remains original, critical thinking is applied, and the final thesis reflects their own understanding and contributions. Proper attribution and ethical use of AI tools are crucial, especially when presenting ideas in academic work. 2. In response to this emerging technology usage and to ensure the authenticity of the student’s intellectual contribution to the thesis, this document provides a guideline for Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Postgraduate Program’s for handling thesis and viva-voce sessions. 3. UPM is expected to provide a thorough oversight and ensure the responsible incorporation of generative AI in research and viva sessions. For programs involving professional bodies, it is subject to regulation by the relevant professional bodies.

Verzameld: 2026-10-07 · Regels: 1–22

Archiefhash: 48a07a190e5bc3a2aeaef2fb249c5b12601f627daeb836d50f94608d450cf6bd

7. Students MUST: a) demonstrate that the intellectual contributions of the thesis are predominantly their own, despite AI assistance b) ensure the accuracy of facts and claims in the thesis, supported by appropriate evidence and references c) ensure the originality of the content in their thesis d) demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and mastery of their research contributions e) demonstrate that he/she can maintain control over his/her research process, and AI was used as a supporting tool f) explain clearly and attribute appropriately where and why generative AI was used (e.g., literature review, data preprocessing, or creative simulations) g) outline the areas of the research that were influenced by AI-generated content versus their direct contribution h) ensure ethical handling of any data used in research or interacting with generative AI models

Verzameld: 2026-10-07 · Regels: 45–59

Archiefhash: 48a07a190e5bc3a2aeaef2fb249c5b12601f627daeb836d50f94608d450cf6bd

7. Students MUST: a) demonstrate that the intellectual contributions of the thesis are predominantly their own, despite AI assistance b) ensure the accuracy of facts and claims in the thesis, supported by appropriate evidence and references c) ensure the originality of the content in their thesis d) demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and mastery of their research contributions e) demonstrate that he/she can maintain control over his/her research process, and AI was used as a supporting tool f) explain clearly and attribute appropriately where and why generative AI was used (e.g., literature review, data preprocessing, or creative simulations) g) outline the areas of the research that were influenced by AI-generated content versus their direct contribution h) ensure ethical handling of any data used in research or interacting with generative AI models

Verzameld: 2026-10-07 · Regels: 45–59

Archiefhash: 48a07a190e5bc3a2aeaef2fb249c5b12601f627daeb836d50f94608d450cf6bd

8. Examiners are reminded to assess the student's writing style, the depth of knowledge in the discipline, and the originality of their contributions. Examiners MUST ensure that: a) answer the research context in terms of clarity of the problem statement, literature review, methodology adequacy b) maintain control over his/her research process, and AI was used as a supporting tool c) use AI as a tool to assist, not substitute, their research efforts and intellectual contributions d) defend their work and achieve the novelty of the scope of the degree that the students attended e) critically evaluate and verify the AI-generated outputs (e.g., factual accuracy, relevance, bias in generated text or data) f) ensure ethical handling of any data used in research or interacting with generative AI models 9. The Chairman must ensure that the student declares during the viva session the use of AI in the research, clearly specifying the areas it assisted with, while affirming that the originality and novelty of the research are their own work.

Verzameld: 2026-10-07 · Regels: 61–75

Archiefhash: 48a07a190e5bc3a2aeaef2fb249c5b12601f627daeb836d50f94608d450cf6bd