The finite element method is a numerical method for solving engineering problems. This course will introduce engineering technology students to the principles of finite element method by formulating differential equations for solving simple engineering- oriented problems in the areas of structural analysis, heat transfer and fluid flow. The students will also learn to apply a programming environment such as VBA for methods in solving more complex finite element applications by iterative means. A commercial finite element analysis software system will be used as a solver for larger scale 2D and 3D models.