Practicum in Finite Elements covers elementary FE theory and uses a commercial computer program to solve practical mechanics problems, emphasizing modeling and result evaluation.
Past student reviews · Ramathasan Thevamaran
Although theoretically easy, the class was considered way too time-consuming for its content, with all homework assignments completed in pairs.
Identify the nature of an engineering problem and devise a simplified model that estimates expected behavior
Perform various types of finite element analyses such as static structural, thermal, modal, harmonic, transient, random vibration, nonlinear materials, nonlinear contact, and buckling analyses
Qualitatively and quantitatively verify the results using visual observations, a variety of simplified calculations, preliminary analysis, tabulated results, and numerical techniques
Prepare and present informative reports on finite element modeling results
Source: UW Guide
All recorded terms · compare terms & instructors
(E M A 303 or M E 306), graduate/professional standing, or member of Engineering Guest Students
This is a best-effort interpretation; check the catalog requirements above.
Raw average: 2.00/5 from 1 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.
RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.
Past student reviews · Ramathasan Thevamaran
Ramathasan Thevamaran turned this practicum into a lecture-heavy, time-consuming slog. The reviewer found the course extremely boring and noted that every homework assignment was completed in pairs.
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2023: 3.44 GPA, 75.0% A/AB (n=24 letter grades); Spring 2024: 3.65 GPA, 88.5% A/AB (n=26 letter grades); Spring 2025: 3.83 GPA, 92.6% A/AB (n=27 letter grades). Includes jointly taught sections.
No course-specific feedback yet.
Past student reviews · Robert Witt
Historical instructor Robert Witt was described as lenient and interactive, offering detailed feedback on finite element models and homework. Students noted he encouraged specific questions and kept lectures engaging. Another student characterized his approach as tough love, emphasizing mastery of material over grades, while others found him patient and helpful.
CURT BRONKHORST is recorded teaching in Fall 2020, Fall 2021, Fall 2022. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
RAMATHASAN THEVAMARAN is recorded teaching in Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2022, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
ROBERT WITT is recorded teaching in Fall 2006, Spring 2007, Fall 2008, Spring 2009, Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2015, Fall 2015. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
Schedule loads here as you scroll.
| Section | Mode | Enrolled / capacity | Waitlist |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 100 | 0 |
| LEC 002 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 100 | 0 |
Times are Central. Select a meeting for details; export includes recorded dates for the selected sections. Enrollment reflects scan time.
Past student reviews · Ramathasan Thevamaran
Students described the course as a boring, lecture-heavy slog that was extremely time-consuming relative to the material taught.
Recent recorded grades — Spring 2025: 3.83 GPA, 92.6% A/AB (n=27 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.31 GPA, 54.8% A/AB (n=31 letter grades); Spring 2026: 3.20 GPA, 44.0% A/AB (n=25 letter grades).
Past student reviews · Ramathasan Thevamaran
Although theoretically easy, the class was considered way too time-consuming for its content, with all homework assignments completed in pairs.
Past student reviews · Ramathasan Thevamaran
One student found the practicum format frustrating, suggesting it was more useful to learn ANSYS ADPL independently than through the lecture-heavy curriculum.
Latest available · Spring 2026— not enough history to project Spring 2027.
Through Spring 2026
Not enough comparable courses for Spring 2027 in UW–Madison.
Descriptions, prerequisites, and recorded course offerings.
Observations at scan time; dates do not imply when a catalog change took effect.
Practicum in Finite Elements
Recorded 2026-10-14[
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]Original comments behind the course and instructor summaries.
Recorded grade distributions by term, section, and instructor.
Explore recorded gradesRecorded 2026-10-14
Recorded model configuration, reasoning, and tool conversations.
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}