GenAI Dialogue with Nirusha Thavarajah: GenAI Approaches in Lab-Based Courses

Presenter: Nirusha Thavarajah, Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, UTSC
GenAI Dialogues are informal, 30-minute online sessions where U of T instructors and staff share how they are navigating generative AI in their teaching and learning contexts. Building on discussions from the GenAI Reading Group (https://teaching.utoronto.ca/teaching-uoft-genai/genai-programming/#reading-group), each session features a colleague sharing their experience around a particular theme, followed by open dialogue on what’s working, what’s uncertain, and what we’re considering next.
In this session: Professor Nirusha Thavarajah will share her approaches to navigating generative AI in lab-based science courses. She will discuss her development of an AI-resistant lab report structure, alongside an AI-integrated concept map activity that strategically leverages AI tools. Professor Thavarajah will also reflect on how these GenAI considerations have shaped her broader course design and instructor-student communication decisions.
How to Participate: 
• Bring your thoughts and questions – all perspectives and levels of GenAI experience welcome
• Use the Teams Meeting link shared in your EVE registration
• Want to stay connected? Join the CTSI GenAI in Teaching and Learning Commons Teams Channel to hear about future sessions and ongoing discussions: Open Microsoft Teams → “Join or create a team” → “Join a team with a code” → Enter code: 5uztctq 
Other GenAI Dialogue Series events: 
• GenAI Dialogue with Rahul Bhat: GenAI and Supporting Student Learning (https://ctsi.eve.utoronto.ca/home/events/6386), March 6, 11:30am-12pm