FINN1047
Quantitative Methods I
Undergraduate Programmes 2024/25
SUMMATIVE ASSIGNMENT
Critically discuss how integral calculus contributes to solving practical problems. Apply at least two real world examples to substantiate your answer.
Discussion of any field is appropriate, and you are not constrained to the domain of Finance.
Additional instructions:
For this assignment, you are required to use Microsoft Copilot, alongside relevant academic sources. Do not use any other AI tool, as only Microsoft Copilot has been approved to ensure data protection and safeguard equitable access for all students. Please adhere to the following:
(1) Clearly indicate in the text where Microsoft Copilot has been utilized.
(2) Include the generative AI source using this format: Author, Year (Version), Name of AI, [Description], Publisher, URL (if applicable), e.g.:
Microsoft (2023). Microsoft Copilot (version 12/05/2023) [Generative AI assistant]. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
(3): Include a reflective section (minimum 400 words) on the use of generative AI. This section should critically evaluate:
· Where AI was most and least effective.
· The impact of AI on the depth, coherence, and quality of your discussion.
The reflective section must be your original work, and you may NOT use generative AI to write this part of the assignment.
(4): Include an appendix that will serve as your "Journal of Prompts." The journal should be formatted to include:
· The source of the AI (e.g., Microsoft, Year).
· Each initial and follow-up prompt used.
· Corresponding outputs from Microsoft Copilot for each prompt.
Refer to the Academic Integrity Guide for guidance on referencing and providing evidence of AI usage.
Note:
The reflective section counts towards the overall word count, which is capped at 1500 words. In line with rules on appendices, the Journal of Prompts in Appendix does not contribute to the word count but must be included for transparency. Failure to disclose AI use may be treated as an academic offence under Section IV of the General Regulations.
Overall word limit: 1500 words
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Your completed assignment must be uploaded to Ultra
no later than 12:00 midday on 16 January 2024
The assignment should be submitting using one of the following file types: .doc, docx or .pdf
A penalty will be applied for work uploaded after 12:00 midday as detailed in the Student Information Hub. You must leave sufficient time to fully complete the upload process before the deadline and check that you have received a receipt. At peak periods, it can take up to 30 minutes for a receipt to be generated.
Assignments should be typed, using 1.5 spacing and an easy-to-read 12-point font. Assignments and dissertations/business projects must not exceed the word count indicated in the module handbook/assessment brief.
The word count should:
§ Include all the text, including title, preface, introduction, in-text citations, quotations, footnotes and any other items not specifically excluded below.
§ Exclude diagrams, tables (including tables/lists of contents and figures), equations, executive summary/abstract, acknowledgements, declaration, bibliography/list of references and appendices. However, it is not appropriate to use diagrams or tables merely as a way of circumventing the word limit. If a student uses a table or figure as a means of presenting his/her own words, then this is included in the word count.
Examiners will stop reading once the word limit has been reached, and work beyond this point will not be assessed. Checks of word counts will be carried out on submitted work, including any assignments or dissertations/business projects that appear to be clearly over-length. Checks may take place manually and/or with the aid of the word count provided via an electronic submission. Where a student has intentionally misrepresented their word count, the School may treat this as an offence under Section IV of the General Regulations of the University. Extreme cases may be viewed as dishonest practice under Section IV, 5 (a) (x) of the General Regulations.
Very occasionally it may be appropriate to present, in an appendix, material which does not properly belong in the main body of the assessment but which some students wish to provide for the sake of completeness. Any appendices will not have a role in the assessment - examiners are under no obligation to read appendices and they do not form. part of the word count. Material that students wish to be assessed should always be included in the main body of the text.
Guidance on referencing can be found on Durham University website and in the Student Information Hub.
MARKING GUIDELINES
Performance in the summative assessment for this module is judged against the following criteria:
· Relevance to question(s)
· Organisation, structure and presentation
· Depth of understanding
· Analysis and discussion
· Use of sources and referencing
· Overall conclusions