Solid mechanics was at the top of my course list because of my interest in
strength of
materials. Prior courses in solid mechanics include undergraduate mechanics of
materials and an introduction to solid mechanics course. Mechanical engineering
was my undergraduate major. My main weakness related to this course is the
ability to take a real world problem, which is not spelled out and correctly
apply the theories learned in the course. My primary strength related to this
course is my understanding and interest of mechanics of materials. I have no
research group and no research direction. Solid mechanics will help in research
because the course will hopefully provide a greater understanding of mechanics
in general. I believe the mechanics of the course will contribute to my
education.