EPN-V2

MABY4100 Finite Element Method in Structural Analysis Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Finite Element Method in Structural Analysis
Study programme
Master’s Programme in Civil Engineering
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2025/2026
Curriculum
FALL 2025
Schedule
Course history

Introduction

When dimensioning large, complicated structures, the Finite Element Method (FEM) is used to calculate stresses and strains in different parts of the structure. The course provides the theoretical basis for the finite element method and describes the different types of elements used in the modeling of frames, beams, discs, plates, shells and massive structures. The course shows how the fundamental linear theory behind the method, combined with numerical calculations, predicts displacements, strains and stresses. The properties of the elements, convergence requirements and modeling errors are also addressed. In the modeling of structures, emphasis is placed on the choice of element types, the application of loads and the introduction of boundary conditions, as well as the verification of the final analysis results.

To give students a deeper understanding of the theory, a project assignment (written project report) is included where some simple structures are analyzed using FEM software.

Recommended preliminary courses

All answers are assessed by two examiners.

An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

Required preliminary courses

No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements.

Learning outcomes

In this course, you will learn about nursing, particularly related to acute, critical, and chronic illnesses, mental health, and substance abuse with a person-centred approach. The course builds upon the foundation of nursing and scientific principles from the first year of study. Integrating of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) that forms the basis for nursing decision-making processes is central.

Key elements of the course also include an introduction to scientific theory and methodology as a basis for searching literature and knowledge related to the course's themes.

Teaching and learning methods

To start this course, you must have passed:

  • SYKP/SYKP1010 Foundations of Nursing 1, 15 credits.
  • SYKK/SYKP1110 Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, 15 credits.
  • SYKK/SYKPPRA10 Foundations of Nursing 2, 15 credits.

or equivalent.*

* For year group 2023 at OsloMet, the equivalent is:

  • Approved work requirements from SYKK/SYKP1300 Pharmacology and Drug Administration, 5 credits.

Passed course:

  • SYKP/SYKP1000 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing/Foundations of Nursing 1, 13 credits.
  • SYKK/SYKP1100 Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, 12 credits.
  • SYKK/SYKP1200 Microbiology and Infection Control, 5 credits.
  • SYKK/SYKPPRA10 Fundamentals of Nursing/Foundations of Nursing 2, 15 credits.

Course requirements

On successful completion of the course, the student has acquired the following learning outcomes classified as knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

  • can explain person-centered nursing for children and adults
  • can describe normal development from childhood to adulthood
  • can describe depression, anxiety (possibly mental illness), and substance abuse problems as possible part of a patient's reaction to illness
  • can describe the care perspective related to hope and coping
  • can give an account of nursing care for acute, critical and chronic illness and the consequences for person-centred nursing care
  • can define what Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is and understand the rationale behind EBP and shared decision-making
  • have knowledge of scientific theory and research methodology.
  • can describe various types of studies and characteristics of different issues and scientific articles, and explain how knowledge is placed in the knowledge pyramid
  • can describe the terms informed consent and consent competence, and their importance in the health service

Skills

The student can

  • apply knowledge of person-centered nursing to discussions about disease, mental health, and substance abuse issues
  • prevent and resolve value conflicts/conflicts of interest in meetings with patients, relatives and other cooperating parties
  • describe methods for collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative data
  • develop a relevant search strategy for a nursing professional/clinical question and conduct the search for summarised knowledge (from the top of the knowledge pyramid)
  • critically evaluate health claims in the media and analyse and interpret the processes by which information and misinformation are distinguished, disseminated, and used in various contexts

General competence

The student can

  • reflect on how person-centered nursing, as a working process, can contribute to caring for patients with disease, mental health, and substance abuse issues
  • can describe research ethical aspects in all phases of research projects

Assessment

Lectures, group work, teaching programs from the University Library, seminars with presentations and self-study.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

The following must have been completed and approved in order for a student to take the exam:

  • 80 % attendance of timetabled activity marked.
  • Group assignment, 3-5 students, scope of 1,200 words (+/- 10 %) with a chosen problem that involves the design and implementation of a relevant literature search related to the course's theme, which is based on KBP.

Grading scale

Supervised individual written exam.

  • 5 hours.

Examiners

None.

Course contact person

Grade scale A-F.