This document provides an overview of the finite element formulation for the free vibration analysis of laminated composite plates and shells. It begins with introducing the shallow shell theory and assumptions made. Next, it describes the displacement fields incorporating shear deformation effects. The stress-strain relationships and constitutive equations are presented. Then, the element stiffness matrix is derived using Lagrange's equations. Finally, the mass matrix is obtained by numerical integration, with options for mass lumping. The overall formulation allows for the free vibration analysis of laminated composite plates and shells using the finite element method.