What is the difference between mechanical engineering and engineering mechanics?

Question

I'm applying to college and they have both as a choice for major along with a biomechanics concentration. Which one goes along better with biomechanics?

Answer 1

For a working definition of engineering mechanics I checked Wikipedia which equated an alternate term, applied mechanics. "Applied mechanics examines the response of bodies (solids and fluids) or systems of bodies to external forces. Some examples of mechanical systems include the flow of a liquid under pressure, the fracture of a solid from an applied force, or the vibration of an ear in response to sound". Mechanical engineering is probably the broadest engineering branch. It incudes engineering mechanics (aka applied mechanics) but also includes thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials science, metals and alloys, electricity and magnetism, optics, structural analysis, and computer programing. Mechanical engineering also sometimes includes courses in computer aided mechanical drawing and analysis, and engineering economics. I think the choice may depend on how focused you want to be.