Numerical tasks

• Revision tips
• Using Copilot in numerical-based assessments
• Graide guidance
• Mobius: STEM assessment platform

Revision tips

Numerical tasks can come in a range of shapes and sizes, so revision for your numerical assignments is subject-specific. Choose the appropriate support pages to revise key mathematical concepts in your subject:

• Pure Mathematics activities e.g. plane geometry, vectors or calculus.
• Working with statistics and data.
• Using specific statistical software e.g. SPSS.
• Utilising maths in mechanical engineering subjects.
• Using math in Business, Finance and Economics.
• Mathematics in Biosciences and Biomechanics.
• Using mathematics in Psychology.

If you need support in more generalised mathematical concepts you may find that Khan academy is a helpful starting point.

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Using Copilot in numerical-based assessments

Copilot and other generative AI tools may be helpful to you when completing numerical based assessments.  

But it is important to note hat Generative AI tools are not designed to calculate responses to questions and often provide incorrect answers when asked to do so. 

Copilot can be helpful in providing you with a method by which to complete a mathematical question. We tested this by asking Copilot the following question.

Step 1: add the question

"What mathematical method should I use to calculate the following? I am standing on top of a cliff, 30ft below me and 20ft away from me is a hole in that I wish to throw a pebble weighing 0.5 kg into. What is the average force in Newtons that I need to exert on the stone to allow me to get the stone into the hole?"

Step 2: review the response

At first glance, Copilot appears to provide a sensible method, with step by step instructions and a final answer. However it is important to use your own mathematical understanding to ensure that the response that it has provided you with is sound. 

Step 3: critically analyse the response

We asked the question twice, using it in two different Copilot conversations, having noticed that if the same question is asked in the same conversation that the same final answer is provided. However, this is misleading. 

• The first conversation provides an answer of 1.65N.
• The second conversation provides an answer of 5.16N.

Both methods suggest using the principles of projectile motion and Newton's second law of motion to calculate a response. 

Remember that the Generative AI tool will attempt to provide you with an answer to your question, but if you ask the Generative AI the same question again in a new conversation thread, it will provide you with the same methods, but a new final answer. So, it is useful to help you to get started on a problem, but not to provide you with an accurate final answer.

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Graide guidance

You may have been asked to submit your assignment using Graide. Graide is an assessment platform that helps you to get more consistent feedback that is returned to you faster.

Graide uses machine-learning (but not generative AI) to support academics to feedback on your work faster. The feedback that you receive on your work in Graide is created by a human marker.

1. Launching into Graide
2. Attempting and submitting an assignment
3. Using the editor
4. Viewing your feedback

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Mobius: STEM assessment platform

You may have been asked to submit your assignment in Mobius. It is is a powerful STEM assessment platform that allows you to apply STEM specific content, such as graphs, to your assignments.

Mobius' student support will support you to learn how to use the system for the first time. Mobius also has a chatbot.

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