Analytical Mechanics in Mechanical Engineering

[Hobold]

How important is Analytical Mechanics in Mechanical Engineering?

I'm asking that because my regular course does not offer Analytical Mechanics in its original curriculum, so I would have to get it as an elective from Physics course (curriculums are pretty much pre-defined in here). Thing is: there are a lot of specific course requirements to apply which are uncommon to my ME curriculum, beaking those requirements would be a pain in the *** and it's very likely I will be declined, as they usually do that only to exceptionally great students (which I am not).

I've heard Analytical Mechanics is a must, so I really don't know what to do. Is it worth going after the specific course or is it enough to study by myself? What should I know before I start AM and which books do you recommend?

Thank you very much.

 

[RandomGuy88]

What exactly is covered in this Analytical Mechanics? I didn't take a course called Analytical Mechanics in undergrad but I am sure most of the material is covered through other classes. If its not part of your program then you shouldn't worry about it unless it is something you are really interested in.

 

[Shackleford]

Analytical Mechanics is probably simply another name for an actual Classical Mechanics course, not simply an engineering Statics or Dynamics, right?

 

[Hobold]

It covers Hamiltonian and Lagrangian Mechanics, basically.

Yeah, Shackleford got it right.

 

[Shackleford]

Unless I've been misinformed, engineers typically don't touch Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Dynamics until graduate school. However, it is required for undergrad physics majors. I took this class this past semester. It was difficult. If you take it as an undergrad MechE, you'll have a leg up on the competition.