Using Copilot

Copilot is the recommended AI tool for Abertay students because it:

• Is secure and covered by the University’s licence.
• Can draw on current web information — but you must still double-check accuracy and reliability against academic sources (see AI Risks and Limitations).
• Supports a wide range of study tasks, such as exploring topics, preparing for seminars, revising, and practising your writing.
• Reduces risks compared with free/public tools like ChatGPT.

Copilot is not

• a replacement for academic sources or your own ideas — it is a support tool to help you learn more effectively.
• It is not an academic search engine. While it may mention academic sources, you must always use LibrarySearch or subject databases to find reliable, citable material.

For technical details, including how to log in and start using Copilot, and advanced or emerging features such as automated agents, see the IT Services Copilot page.

The examples below show how Copilot fits within the wider ways AI could potentially support your studies: 

• Study support – create revision prompts, explain difficult concepts, or summarise notes (see AI for Study Skills).
• Research preparation – brainstorm keywords or create plain-English summaries before moving to LibrarySearch or databases (see AI for Researching a Topic).
• Writing practice – rephrase sentences or test ways of improving clarity in your own drafts (see AI for Writing).

Tip: Copilot can be especially useful if you are returning to study, working in a second language, or balancing study with other commitments — it can simplify difficult ideas into plain English while you build confidence in your own understanding.

You’ll get more useful answers if you use Copilot thoughtfully.

For example:

• Start with a clear purpose (e.g. “Explain this concept for a first-year student”).
• Be specific — include context, subject, or level of detail needed.
• Break tasks into stages (e.g. brainstorm → refine → summarise).
• Ask follow-up questions to clarify or deepen answers.
• Always double-check results against academic sources.

For step-by-step guidance on building prompts, see Crafting Effective Prompts.

Even though Copilot is secure, you are still responsible for how you use it.

Here are some key points to remember:

• Do not paste full assignments into Copilot.
• Always double-check outputs against academic sources (see AI Risks and Limitations for common issues like errors or hallucinations).
• Acknowledge if you’ve used Copilot in your work (see Acknowledging AI Use and Referencing AI).
• Protect your data — never share personal or sensitive information (see AI and Data Privacy).

Remember: assessments are marked on your ideas and understanding — Copilot can support your process, but it cannot replace your own thinking.

Here are some additional points to keep in mind:

• Copilot can reflect bias or stereotypes — always compare its answers with diverse, peer-reviewed sources.
• Copilot’s answers can vary each time you ask.
• Copilot’s outputs have not been peer-reviewed like academic sources.
• Expectations for AI use may differ by subject or assignment type — always follow the guidance given by your tutors.

For guidance on technical access and full details of Copilot’s features, see the IT Services Copilot page.