---
title: Schema Study - BILD 5
emoji: 📚
colorFrom: green
colorTo: gray
sdk: streamlit
sdk_version: 1.51.0
app_file: app.py
pinned: true
license: gpl-3.0
short_description: AI-enhanced study app for UCSD BILD5 biology students
---

# Schema Study: An AI-Enhanced Study App for Biology Students

Schema Study is a modern, interactive study app designed to help biology students master core course concepts through AI-powered conversations. The app leverages OpenAI's latest GPT models via the Responses API to provide instant feedback, Socratic questioning, and personalized study support.

## Features
- **Password Protection:** Secure access for your class or group.
- **Customizable Terms:** Use your own CSV file of terms and definitions.
- **Prompt Templates:** Engage with the material using creative, research-based prompts including midterm review.
- **AI-Enhanced Feedback:** Get instant, formative feedback and guidance using GPT-5.1 (default) or GPT-4.1.
- **Web Search Support:** Optional web search functionality for current information and citations (configurable in `config.py`).
- **Real-Time Streaming:** Live token-by-token response streaming with visual typing indicator.
- **Professional, Accessible UI:** Clean, modern design with a color palette for clarity and focus.

## How to Use (Students)
1. **Access the App:** Go to your Hugging Face Space URL. Enter the password provided by your instructor.
2. **Select a Term:** Use the dropdown to pick a course term.
3. **Start Studying:** Respond to the prompt or use a template button to begin your session.
4. **Chat with the AI:** Ask questions, answer prompts, and explore the term in depth.

## How to Use (Instructors)

### Setup
1. **Clone or Fork the Space:**
   ```bash
   git clone https://huggingface.co/spaces/<your-username>/<your-space-name>
   cd <your-space-name>
   ```

2. **Edit Configuration:**
   - Update `config.py` for your course (title, instructions, prompt templates, etc).
   - Configure AI model settings:
     - `ai_model`: Choose "gpt-5.1" (default) or "gpt-4.1"
     - `reasoning_effort`: For GPT-5.1, set to "none" (fastest), "minimal", "low", or "medium"
     - `enable_web_search`: Set to `True` or `False` (default: True)
   - Place your terms CSV (e.g., `terms.csv`) in the root directory. Format: first column = term, second column = context/definition.

3. **Set Secrets:**
   - Create `.streamlit/secrets.toml` file locally or use Hugging Face Space secrets:
     ```toml
     username = "your_username"
     password = "your_password"
     OPENAI_API_KEY = "your_openai_api_key"
     ```
   - For Hugging Face Spaces, go to **Settings > Repository secrets** and add the same keys.

4. **Push Changes:**
   ```bash
   git add .
   git commit -m "Update configuration and terms"
   git push
   ```

### Model Selection Guide
- **GPT-5.1** (default): Best for most use cases, fastest with reasoning="none", supports web search
- **GPT-4.1**: Use if you need temperature control or prefer non-reasoning model, excellent web search support

## Configuration

### AI Model Settings (`config.py`)
- **Default Model:** GPT-5.1 with reasoning="none" for faster responses
- **Alternative Model:** GPT-4.1 with temperature control
- **Web Search:** Configurable via `enable_web_search` (default: True)
- **Reasoning Effort:** Configurable for GPT-5.1 (options: "none", "minimal", "low", "medium")
- **Temperature:** Configurable for GPT-4.1 (0.0-2.0)

### Other Settings
- All settings are in `config.py` (title, instructions, prompt templates, resources, AI model parameters, etc).
- Theming is managed via `.streamlit/config.toml` and custom CSS in `app.py`.
- Dependencies are listed in `requirements.txt`.

## Technical Details

### API & Models
- **API Framework:** OpenAI Responses API (streaming-enabled)
- **Supported Models:** GPT-5.1 (default), GPT-4.1
- **Streaming:** Real-time token-by-token response streaming
- **Inactivity Guard:** Streaming stops after 60s of no server deltas

### File Structure
- `app.py` — Main Streamlit app with Responses API integration
- `config.py` — All app settings and customization (model selection, web search, prompt templates)
- `.streamlit/secrets.toml` — Authentication credentials and API key (not tracked in git)
- `requirements.txt` — Python dependencies
- `terms.csv` — Your course terms and definitions (CSV format: term, context)
- `BILD_5_Syllabus_Reuther_SP25.pdf` — Example resource
- `BILD 5 F25 Midterm Exam.pdf` — Midterm exam resource

## License
This project is licensed under the GNU GPL-3 License. See the [LICENSE](LICENSE) file for details.

## Acknowledgments

Developed by Keefe Reuther, Assistant Teaching Professor in the UC San Diego School of Biological Sciences. Special thanks to Dr. Liam O Mueller and the members of the Reuther Lab for their support and contributions.