AI-Skills

This is precisely where the focus area "AI-Skills" becomes relevant. Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers who complete this focus area acquire fundamental competences and practical skills in working with (generative) AI. To successfully complete the program, participants must attend at least one course in each of the following modules: 

• Module 1: Technological Foundations of (generative) AI
• Module 2: Tools & Application of (generative) AI
• Module 3: Normative Dimensions & Future Development of AI

This module provides an understanding of the technological basis of (generative) AI. This includes the central model types (language, image, and multimodal models), as well as their architecture and training. The goal is to convey the technical foundations of (generative) AI and thereby enable a reflective use of AI tools.

The focus of this module is the practical application of (generative) AI. Participants learn about different tools and their areas of application and engage in critical evaluation of their use. The goal of this module is to enable participants to use (generative) AI tools in a targeted and reflective manner for different use cases.

This module addresses fundamental ethical, legal, and generally normative questions concerning (generative) AI, as well as potential consequences of its further development and broad societal deployment. The goal of the module is for participants to develop normative judgment regarding the use of (generative) AI and an informed opinion on the possible consequences of its widespread economic and societal use.

As part of the Transferable Skills program (Conditions of Participation), only doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers at the University of Basel are eligible to complete the AI-Skills focus area and obtain the certificate. To do so, a minimum of eight hours per module must be completed, generally in the form of in-person contact hours. This requirement can be fulfilled through one or more courses, e.g. two courses with four contact hours each or four courses with two contact hours each.

The overview below lists all current and past courses in our Transferable Skills program and in the course offerings of our cooperation partners that can be credited towards the certificate.

For past courses, only those held from the Spring Semester 2026 onwards count towards the certificate. For each course, the overview also indicates how many hours are credited towards the respective module.

Participants who have completed the required minimum of eight hours in all modules should send an email with the relevant supporting documents (e.g. course certificates, certificates of attendance) to grace@unibas.ch.

If all requirements have been met, an individual certificate will be issued listing, among other things, the courses attended (a sample certificate is available here: Example Certificate