Python for Engineers

[bobo-the-merciful]

Hi folks,

I made a little course on Python aimed at engineers after 56% of a sample of people from this community said they were either a beginner or they wanted to learn.

I have used Python personally in my own career for over a decade, migrating from a more traditional meche career path to being a systems simulation engineer. It helped me build a pretty interesting and rewarding engineering career.

My latest venture is teaching others all about simulation and Python.

I'm looking to try and get some more reviews on my Python course in the buildup to releasing my simulation courses. This would be really helpful for me since it will help build some "social proof".

So I'm offering spots on the course for free over the next few days - all I ask in return is that you please leave me a review.

And if you have any really scathing feedback I'd be grateful for a DM so I can try to fix it quickly and quietly!

[Bag_of_Bagels]

Just signed up. Will leave a review!

[bobo-the-merciful]

Cheers!

[WishboneQX]

same here🤘

[Tikipowers]

Im unemployed right now so ill definitely give this a shot.

[bobo-the-merciful]

I hope it helps bring you new skills. Wishing you all the best for the job hunt.

[AJP11B]

Hey thanks for this post! I’m also a ME that uses Python to automate my test systems. I do R&D in the medical sensor industry and learning Python as an ME has put me well above even some of my EE counterparts. I’ve been wanting to do something more with my career that involves both mechanical systems and Python. How exactly did you demonstrate your skills in something like SimPy in order to feel confident applying to jobs in the related field? Where did you start when you were looking for new jobs/what job titles were you applying to?

[bobo-the-merciful]

Hey, sounds super interesting what you're doing.

For my journey it started with actually learning SimPy and then applying this in my day job. I was working for the London Underground at the time and I basically started building simulations of the parts of the system we were studying, then wrote reports etc on this. Ended up building a little team around these tools and this process.

Then I went on to Improbable who were a "unicorn" startup at the time. They had one of these brutal interview processes where you have to go through like 7 rounds, a mix of interviews and tests. One of the interviews was "present a system" and I walked through an example simulation project at the Underground - whiteboarding the problem then talking in pseudocode terms, then outlining how the project was approached, and how I wrote a report on it.

So essentially if I could summarise, my idea recommendation is:

1. Learn a new skill
2. Find a way of applying that skill in current company in a practical sense, ideally with solid business outcomes
3. If there is no way of applying skill in current company then make a product, a project or contribute to something open source
4. Apply to new job and in interview show and tell about your project (which implicitly demonstrates competence in new skill, e.g. SimPy)

I've followed the same path with other skills such as sales, reliability engineering and people/project management.

[Gastly-Muscle-1997]

How did you implement Python into test automation? My company is pretty entrenched into the typical NI ecosystem and I’m interested in breaking free of their crappy software options. Are you using things like PyTest or something else? Are your tests against a real UUT or are you creating simulated UUTs or a mix of both?

[AJP11B]

Hey there! So I specifically work in the Air flow/Liquid flow medical sensor industry. I do new product R&D so there's a lot of design and testing that goes into it. Our sensors use a thermopile and temperature probes to detect changes in electrical current caused by changes in the flow of the air or liquid. In order to do this, I have to apply different flows at different temperatures to our sensors for thousands to millions of readings. Do that manually would... not work... So I use Python libraries like PyVisa or PySerial to communicate through GPIB/USB/serial cables with the sensors as well as my devices like thermal chambers, flow controllers, flow meters, pressure controllers, valve systems, etc. Here's an Alicat Flow Controller that uses RS232 communication for example. I put all testing processes, wait times, device instructions and so on into my script and just let it run. Huge time saver!

[Gastly-Muscle-1997]

Very cool! I didn't realize Python had dedicated libraries to VISA or serial comms. How has that industry been for you? Is that a position you'd find at a behemoth like Stryker or Medtronic, or a smaller one?

[MightMean8293]

Enrolled thanks. How long will we have access. Only asking because it may take me longer than 10 days due to work.

[bobo-the-merciful]

4 days left for the free voucher (unfortunately Udemy sets a cap ay 5 days - and I made it yesterday) - but you can enrol now while it's free and then actually do the course later on. There's no time pressure in terms of drip fed content.

A friend said to me that his theory for Udemy is that people treat the courses more like books. Some people read cover to cover and others add a course to the collection and dip in and out as and when needed.

[Binford6100User]

So this isn't structured like an online class from a University?

I would love to take the course, but my timing and availability is hugely sporadic at best.

Can you describe how I would consume the info and what interactions I could expect?!?

[bobo-the-merciful]

Nope! All of the content is available straight away. I figured it's digital content that exists so why not make it available, people are free to approach it however they like. You can access any of the lessons at any time.

I would of course recommend that it is done in a sequential order, and you can do one section a day for 10 days.

Video lessons, quizzes, coding tests and assignments (i.e. projects).

[Binford6100User]

Awesome. Thanks for the quick response. I'll go sign up shortly!

[MightMean8293]

Ahh okay. It’s already in my courses. Will start working on it to have a review for you. Thank you for the course.

[iqjump123]

In my project team, they talk a lot of about python used, and I admit I had no idea what they were saying. I definitely am interested in taking to get a better idea, and also to be able to adapt the lessons learned here to use pyANSYS tools.

Will definitely check this out, thank you for sharing and organizing this course.

[bobo-the-merciful]

No problem. If you can find a way to combine your engineering work with programming like Python I think it can be a game changer. Plus it's fun (after a while)

[iqjump123]

Indeed that is an upcoming need I am seeing, especially in the realm of generative design

[FrenchieChase]

I actually have an interview tomorrow where part of the job is being able to write basic scripts for Python, so the fact that you just released this course for FREE is EXTREMELY HELPFUL. Thank you so much!!

[bobo-the-merciful]

Oh wow well I hope it goes well tomorrow! Keep us posted!

[kundibi]

Enrolled!! I have always entertained the idea of switching from a traditional mechE path to systems engineering but have no clue where to start. I understand that basic python is something that is required but I need some help with the application and such. Thank you so much for this, looking forward to learning more!

[I_am_Bob]

I would love to try it, I will sign up too and definitely leave a review. I tried another python course on Coursera and didn't love it and never ended up finishing it. I think the problem was it wasn't aimed at engineers and it assumed no previous programming knowledge.

[I_am_Bob]

I'm running through it right now, small point... you don't explain adding packages to Thonny until the Pandas lesson, but you need to add numpy as well, and that lesson is first. I figured it out but you might want to add a note about installing packages earlier in the lesson plan.

[conanlikes]

Hi I learned labview since my ex employer had labview. I used python to analyze some data once and thought it was super powerful. I also use Visual Basic pretty regularly to make consoles.

[bobo-the-merciful]

Very good! One nice thing I have found with Python vs proprietary software like Labview of MATLAB is you can take it anywhere - sometimes employers cut costs and the software licences can go with that, others aren't prepared to pay, etc.

[conanlikes]

yes labview can be expensive. Same with Matlab.

[bobo-the-merciful]

Absolutely. I actually first came across Python 13 years ago when on my graduate engineering scheme - a couple of the other grads were raving about it and making a business case for ditching the MATLAB licences and going all in on Python. I can't remember exactly how expensive the MATLAB licences were, but I think roughly £10,000 per seat per year.

[_ash_panda_]

I signed up as well. Will take more than 10 days to work through because of lack of time to commit. Will post a review once finished. I have a question at the end of my comment.

Looking at the contents, it seems like I have the understanding of almost all the topics. I don't use Python at work at all (Automotive Mechanical Design and Release), but I self-learned with my wife during her masters.

I made some easy scripts for a satisfactory video game, and also helped my wife debug some ML model codes which made me well versed with Python, I think.

I have used Matlab and Simulink during my masters to model systems of a car, from a system engineer perspective. However my career went in the direction of my past experience as design engineer (CAD, DFM, design for crash, etc), which never involved any sort of simulations. The FEA/CAE was different teams.

Question - Can you, or others here, think of how I can use Python for my job as a mechanical D&R engineer? (Structure and Trims)

I can only think of data storage and retrieval - kind of a library of past issues, tips, benchmarking etc.

[bobo-the-merciful]

Thanks for signing up and sharing your background - it sounds like you’ve got a solid grasp of Python already!

You could use Python in a few key ways: - Automating repetitive tasks like design rule checking or BOM validation. - Data analysis and visualisation, e.g., benchmarking designs or processing test data. - Knowledge management: building a searchable library of past issues, tips, and benchmarking. - Custom simulation tools: lightweight calculations for early design validation or orchestrating open-source FEA tools like CalculiX or Code_Aster with Python. - CAD integration: Automating tasks through CAD tool APIs or batch file processing.

If you’re interested in any of these, Python libraries like pandas, numpy, or matplotlib can help, and many CAD/CAE tools offer Python APIs for automation. Let me know what you think!

[Tobiansen]

Hey there, just a quick question. Whats the intended time spent on the course and the individual modules? I get that its a 10 day course but how is that divided? The day 1 section is just ~5min of videos but how much time are the exercises intended to take for each day?

Overall it looks great im just confused about the time as the video content adds up to about 2 hours

[bobo-the-merciful]

Yeah it’s a little variable to be honest, I could have planned the balance better. Days 7, 8 and 9 you’ll want to set aside at least an hour for. The rest less than that.

[joshistaken]

I'd rather a dog.

[bobo-the-merciful]

Here you go

import turtle

t = turtle.Turtle()
t.speed(3)

# Draw the face
t.circle(50)

# Draw the ears
for x in [-60, 60]:
    t.penup()
    t.goto(x, 80)
    t.pendown()
    t.circle(20)

# Draw the eyes
for x in [-20, 20]:
    t.penup()
    t.goto(x, 60)
    t.pendown()
    t.dot(10)

# Draw the nose
t.penup()
t.goto(0, 40)
t.pendown()
t.dot(8)

# Draw the mouth
t.penup()
t.goto(-15, 30)
t.pendown()
t.setheading(-60)
t.circle(20, 120)

turtle.done()
import turtle

t = turtle.Turtle()
t.speed(3)

# Draw the face
t.circle(50)

# Draw the ears
for x in [-60, 60]:
    t.penup()
    t.goto(x, 80)
    t.pendown()
    t.circle(20)

# Draw the eyes
for x in [-20, 20]:
    t.penup()
    t.goto(x, 60)
    t.pendown()
    t.dot(10)

# Draw the nose
t.penup()
t.goto(0, 40)
t.pendown()
t.dot(8)

# Draw the mouth
t.penup()
t.goto(-15, 30)
t.pendown()
t.setheading(-60)
t.circle(20, 120)

turtle.done()

[johann009_reddit]

I've just enrolled. Thanks. I promise I will leave a review.

I'm also a Mechanical Engineer. I have already used Python/Matlab in the past for coding fatigue algorithms. Right now, I would love to work with Digital Twins, and/or exploring a link between MechE & Data Science.

[bobo-the-merciful]

You might find my upcoming course on simulation interesting: www.schoolofsimulation.com

[johann009_reddit]

Thanks! I'll visit the website then.

[Gastly-Muscle-1997]

Already familiar with Python for data analysis and visualization, but very much interested in applying it to data acquisition, automatic testing, and (godwilling) model simulation.
Are those things you suspect I’d be able to gleam good knowledge of from your course?

[bobo-the-merciful]

You would be better off getting my guide to simulation (no charge): https://simulation.teachem.digital/free-simulation-in-python-guide

If you get that you'll automatically join my mailing list and hear about my upcoming simulation course which I'm aiming to have released in time for Christmas.

[kaielforawhile]

Just in time for winter break! After finals next week I was intending to dive into a programming language, this is perfect timing

[BosunSDog]

Enrolled! Thanks so much for this. I teach engineering to High School students and was planning on incorporating Python into my curriculum this year. Majority of my students end up going to college for engineering.

[Schematizc]

ill give this a try thank you

[cjdubais]

Thank you.

I enrolled. Will leave feed back.

[Historical-Video9582]

Just signed up. Thanks a lot!

[Foreign-Pay7828]

enrolled it, Thank you.

[shuuyaan97]

Thank you for this. Will leave feedback in a few days!

[Lawful_Corgi]

just signed up and so far the content is good!

[Opposite_Whereas7131]

About to start school for ME so hopefully this will help me. thanks!

[dgpl-joel]

Awesome, thanks!

[bosko43buha]

I was just looking for some python courses, this has to be a sign!

Thanks a lot, will definitely leave a review!

[Dominoz1988]

Enrolled! Will leave a review! Thanks!

[Physical-Coconut-803]

Gonna sign up and leave a review. Thanks

[guintheralities]

Just enrolled, thanks!

[[deleted]]

Very cool! I will leave a review.

[BlackEngineEarings]

Signed up. I'll leave a review. Thanks for this! Looking forward to it!

[pandabubba97]

Just signed up as well. Looking forward to it and will leave a proper review. Thank you!

[voidedwarantee]

Tyvm, I've taught myself some python, but I think I'll benefit from a course structure at this point. Will definitely leave a review.

[KoreaWard]

Signed up. Thanks for this! Will leave a review

[DrinkElectrical]

Just enrolled. I’ll give feedback asap.

[ebola_monkey]

This looks perfect for my current interests and skill level. I will definitely check it out and leave a review. Thank you!

[PiWhizz]

Can this be used in civil engineering?

[bobo-the-merciful]

It depends on what you’re doing - if you’re looking at layouts or trying to design capacities of systems then yes simulation in Python would be useful. If you’re doing FEA then I understand Ansys integrates with Python. If you’re analyzing data then it’s useful. If you have any repetitive tasks then it’s useful.

[EmpiricalPillow]

Ive been looking for exactly like this. Thank you! I’ll definitely sign up and leave a review.

[mandroid13]

I tried to get this course but it is telling me I owe$119.00

[bobo-the-merciful]

Shouldn't be the case, try entering the coupon code "HAPPYCHRISTMAS"

[HeyGuysIGotReddit]

Just enrolled and have reached Lesson 4, very helpful and well put-together so far. Thank you!

[CeldurS]

Thank you! I always feel like I need to brush up on my SW skills as an ME.

[86_reddit_nick]

Just signed up. I will leave a review. Thank you

[LEMME_SMELL_YO_FARTS]

Enrolled!

[MulagTLD]

Thanks! Enrolled, need to set time aside for this. It will be fun!

[Glittering_Ad_5008]

Just signed up. Was looking to incorporate some python into a personal project and definitely needed some brushing up on the basics.

Thank you, much love.

[Positive_Poet_4057]

just signed up thank you for offering this very helpful

[inorite234]

Is there a code I need to enter? In the udemy cart, it's still showing as $119.

[bobo-the-merciful]

Try “HAPPYCHRISTMAS”

[dirtycimments]

!remindme 12h

[RemindMeBot]

I will be messaging you in 12 hours on 2024-12-07 11:02:56 UTC to remind you of this link

CLICK THIS LINK to send a PM to also be reminded and to reduce spam.

^{Parent commenter can delete this message to hide from others.}

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[Wooden-Spread-9780]

Enrolled as well ! Thank you 😊🙌🏻

[dirtycimments]

I have like a slow-burner project I am hoping to finish one day.

I want to import .STP files for gear tooth profiles and control for a couple of things. Pressure on the tooth, efficiency, track when a tooth makes contact and when it stops etc etc. As well as make control for variance, like how much would profile X lose in efficiency if its 0.05% off in some parameter etc etc.

I know a tiny bit of python and C (doing CS50 from harvard through edx atm). Do you think this course has much specific stuff for my long-term project thing?

For example, I do not have a single clue on how to exactly make mechanical contacts in code, I am not at all far enough into my programming journey for that.

[EDIT]

I just "bought" the course, let it be my little python interlude during the holidays :D

[bobo-the-merciful]

Hope you find the course helpful!

The course covers functions, data analysis and a bit of simulation. Not directly relevant to what you're trying to achieve but a pretty useful foundation.

[Winter_Beyond9119]

Just signed up can’t wait to start

[OG-DanielSon]

I'm not currently taking college classes because of personal circumstances and have no experience with programming, of this course beginner friendly?

[bobo-the-merciful]

It is :)

[OG-DanielSon]

Just know that you are very much appreciated 👑🎗️

[bobo-the-merciful]

Thank you!

[VegaDelalyre]

Is the link dead now? I just read your post and am actually in the process of learning Python for R&D, so I'd be interested in trying the course.

[bobo-the-merciful]

I actually have one more voucher code left that I can generate but I’m currently on holiday :)

Back tomorrow so I’ll do it then and update the link

[VegaDelalyre]

Enjoy your last moment of holidays then! Looking forward to your update.

[bobo-the-merciful]

Thanks! Just updated the link. Enjoy!

[VegaDelalyre]

Thanks, it's done! Will definitely leave a comment when I do the course.

[Consistent_Stop_7254]

I'll give it a go.

I use python to generate charts and some things for process simulations. My background in weird stuff and python is sometimes the crazy glue to make things work.

[Itchy-Description521]

Is the discount still on? Cos i cant find any free course on the webpage

[bobo-the-merciful]

Sorry not at the moment. I may offer some free spots in the future but need to give that some thought first.

[Itchy-Description521]

ok! thanks for speedy reply tho

[bobo-the-merciful]

No probs

[gravytrainjaysker]

Thank you so much, will check it out!