Fundamental understanding and skills developed in Structural Analysis I form the basis of structural analysis. Modern practice however, is to use computer based approaches. The student is introduced to the theory and via a series of practical exercises develops a facility to analyse complex skeletal systems and assess their adequacy. Some structural systems, composed of 2D and 3D elements, cannot however be analysed using a skeletal approach. Such systems require the use of the continuum finite element (FE) method. The student will acquire the underlying principles of the method and develop an understanding of how elements behave to choose suitable kinds, sizes and shape. The student will also learn to guard against misinterpretations and unrealistically high expectations. This course therefore, is a balanced theoretical and practical introduction to the use of the FE method.