Alright, only take this class if you fit one of the two categories:
1. You enjoy learning about FEM or consider this a future career path
2. You want a class that can give you an A by putting in a lot of work.

It by no means is an "easy A" as there is a ton of work to be done, but it is a grindable A. The professor himself is also really reasonable. If you go in and do the required work (take notes on lecture videos and go to discussions) you should get an A no problem. But pls, go to discussions, they're worth the time you invest in to it.

Side note: The professor says there will be future "extra credit" assignments early on in the class. But do note, they're MUCH harder than the HWs / PROJs. So don't count on it if you're struggling with the current assignments. Just do the easy ones that are on the excel file he gives you and participate in class to get more low hanging fruit :)

Prof Goyal is the best instructor in the department and probably all UCLA. This is the toughest class in MAE, yet he us able to breakdown the concepts in a manner that allows absorbing the material easily. I hope one day he is awarded the teacher award.

By far the best professor in the department. Professor Goyal is funny and laid back. He truly cares about his students learning and makes time for his students. His class is very well orchestrated and clear. The content is difficult by nature, but I have never had a professor teach so well. Additionally, he offers tons of extra credit. Getting an A is very reasonable. I've had two courses with professor Goyal, 156A and M168, and both were some of my favorite. Additionally, he comes from industry, so he gives a lot of practical knowledge about industry which is great since most students plan on moving to industry rather than academia. You learn more from him than in any other course, and I would highly recommend taking this class!

Professor Goyal is far the Best Professor in MAE Department.

He is tough but cares about student learning.

His courses are a lot of work but they are perfectly structured and he himself puts a lot of thought, work, and detail in lecture preparation and assignments.

He has boundless theoretical knowledge and engineering practical knowledge unlike some others.

Professor Goyal cares about his students.

It has been a pleasure and fun to take his course.

This course is very challenging. The course offered either zoom, in-person or pre-recorded lectures. The course is math intensive and the homeworks are very challenging. The professor could not attend class in-person many times, but it was conducted at least through zoom or the TA was able to replace him. The course is well structured and it was really neat to solve real time problems using Abaqus and apply what was learned in class. Great professor. The use of piazza was very useful and it allowed us to collaborate when questions came up.

Goyal is such a great professor! Definitely requires a lot from students but I have learned so much about engineering in general and how to set up problems and what to look for. how to question results. analyze results. why safety is important. Goyal is funny, witty, and interactive with students. sometimes intimidating. a lot of work in the class but you'll definitely feel that rewarding feeling after taking his course. great that he provided many extra credit opportunities to help us students manage time and earn that A.