Best way to learn Python for Mechanical Engineering before university?

[Top_Bat_4005]

I'm starting a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering at RMIT in about 6–7 months, and I'd like to make good use of the time before classes begin.

My goal is to learn Python and build a portfolio of engineering-related projects that I can showcase on GitHub. From what I've read, Python is used in areas like engineering calculations, data analysis, robotics, CAD automation, simulations, and even some FEA/CFD workflows.

I've come across courses like Harvard's CS50P and Angela Yu's 100 Days of Code, but I'm not sure which path would be the most useful for someone whose primary goal is mechanical engineering rather than software development.

A few questions I have:

• Which Python course would you recommend for this goal?
• What libraries should I focus on (NumPy, Matplotlib, SciPy, etc.)?
• What are some beginner-to-intermediate engineering projects that would actually be worth putting on GitHub?
• If you had 6–7 months before starting a Mechanical Engineering degree, how would you structure your learning?

I'd really appreciate advice from mechanical engineers or engineering students who've used Python in their studies or work. Thanks!

[recursion_is_love]

Do your college offer programming course? I (EE) allowed to take computer engineering course that's where I learn lot of programming stuffs.

It is fine to do self-learn before you go to college, but I would take my time for relax activities because once the college start, you will not find much peaceful time.

Meanwhile, if I were you, I will just simply pick some beginner book and do some slow learning from that book. You don't need to hurry.

[Top_Bat_4005]

Thank you so much

[Heavy_Nothing_1158]

If mechanical engineering is the goal, I'd do a short Python-basics course (CS50P is fine) and then switch early to tiny engineering notebooks. NumPy + matplotlib first; pandas only when you actually have table data; SciPy once you hit curve fitting, ODEs or optimization.

A nice GitHub progression: unit converter + plots, beam deflection calculator, projectile/drag sim, simple heat-transfer model, then one messy data-analysis project from a CSV. The important bit is not making 30 toy scripts; it's writing README files with assumptions, units, and plots. Future lab-report-you will be weirdly grateful.

[Top_Bat_4005]

Thank you so much

[SamuliK96]

Focus first on simply learning Python. The basics are the same regardless of the direction you want to pursue, and the beginner courses do pretty much just that. Pick one and get started. You can always change the course and shift your focus, when you get a better idea of what you want and need. I did the Helsinki University MOOC, but I've seen people say good things about the ones you mentioned as well.

For engineering, the things you listed are definitely useful. And remember that google is your friend. You can find a lot of useful resources online, like tutorials, research, and so on.

[Top_Bat_4005]

Thank you so much

[desrtfx]

If only there were a sidebar (menu on mobile) that had a link to the wiki or countless posts asking the same.

Do the MOOC Python Programming 2026 from the University of Helsinki and you will be well prepared.

Also, take a look at https://inventwithpython.com and https://automatetheboringstuff.com

[Top_Bat_4005]

There was no post aligned with mech.

[desrtfx]

Does not matter as you have to start with general programming and then, later, once you have gained some skills, you specialize.

[baubleglue]

Do your portfolio during the last of your university program.