AI Fundamentals – Unit IV: AI in Research, Generative AI and Prompt Engineering

Abstract

Unit IV – AI in Research, Generative AI and Prompt Engineering is an Open Educational Resource (OER) presentation developed for the undergraduate AI Fundamentals course. This presentation introduces the use of Artificial Intelligence in experimentation and multidisciplinary research, followed by the fundamentals of Generative AI and prompt engineering. It provides students with an understanding of how AI can support research activities, generate different types of content, and improve interaction with AI systems through well-designed prompts. The PPT covers Generative AI, ChatGPT, Hugging Face, Gemini and other Generative AI tools, Perplexity, Prompt Engineering, the importance of prompt engineering, its role in AI/ML interaction, emerging trends, and future directions in AI. The concepts are explained using simple language, real-world examples, diagrams, workflows, comparison tables, prompt examples, practical applications, case studies, and visual learning approaches. The material is designed for classroom teaching, self-learning, revision, practical exploration, and examination preparation. Topics Covered AI in Experimentation AI in Multidisciplinary Research Applications of AI in Research Generative AI – Introduction ChatGPT Hugging Face Gemini and Other Generative AI Tools Perplexity Prompt Engineering – Definition and Importance Role of Prompt Engineering in AI/ML Interaction Effective Prompt Design Prompt Refinement Emerging Trends in AI Future Directions in AI Responsible Use of Generative AI Learning Outcomes After studying this unit, learners will be able to: Explain the role of AI in experimentation and multidisciplinary research. Describe the basic concept of Generative AI. Identify and explain commonly used Generative AI tools. Understand the purpose and importance of Prompt Engineering. Develop more effective prompts for AI systems. Explain how prompt engineering influences AI/ML interaction. Identify emerging trends and future directions in AI. Use Generative AI tools responsibly for learning and research. Target Audience: Undergraduate students, particularly students studying Computer Science and related disciplines. Educational Use: This resource is intended for classroom teaching, self-learning, revision, examination preparation, and educational reuse in accordance with the OER license specified for the resource. Author:Dr C V KrishnaveniLecturer in Computer ScienceSKR & SKR Government College for Women (Autonomous)Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India