Python for Civil Engineers

Python Foundation for Civil Engineers

Offerings

Part 1: Download, Setup, and Operation of the Scripting Environment

Python is available free of charge in a very user friendly scripting environment, making it easy to test out various code, debug larger projects, and communicate your methodologies with others. The challenging part is getting started. The first part of this course is devoted to ensuring we each get Python set up and running properly. We will explore how to create, navigate, and save various types of Python files, and we will cover how to install and import libraries to help us solve different types of problems.

Part 2: Data Types, Scripting Commands, Functions, and Library Methods

Python gives us power and flexibility without demanding the same sacrifices in user-friendliness or processing speed that most scripting languages demand. As a result, civil engineering Python users can accomplish workflows the first time nearly as quickly as those using enterprise products already. They can then repeat established workflows many times faster. Those who are creating large positive impact in the workplace are moving above and beyond what is offered in enterprise products, instead customizing solutions fit for purpose. Part 2 is the heart of the short course, covering the differences between data types, when and how to use them, as well as the logic we can use to command our data to write our own programs.

Part 3: File Importing, Data Cleaning, Data Analysis, and Graphing

Python is undisputedly the most popular and powerful scripting language for data manipulation, but civil engineering workflows often require some visualization of this data. Visualization is important not only as a part of the data manipulation process but also to help communicate results to team mates and business partners. This section explores the common Python methods for importing, manipulating, as well as visualizing data.

Part 4: Introduction to Civil Engineering Packages and Libraries

One of the major benefits of having a foundation in Python is the ability to tap into the constantly expanding collection of tools available for free online to help practitioners in many fields, including civil engineering! In this final section of the course, we'll go through a few examples of these packages and libraries, showing how to install them and learn to use them. Specific examples include strupy and struthon, but we will also cover various publicly celebrated scripts. This section serves as a soft handoff between the creation of your foundation in Python and your own utilization of that foundation to find and build tools.

Who Should Attend

Civil engineering practitioners interested in getting more done more quickly.
Managers seeking to drive optimal performance from civil engineering staff.
Consultants in civil-related industries.
Students of science or engineering disciplines.
Anyone interested in understanding how to use Python.

Why Attend

Understand the fastest growing and most versatile scripting language in the world.
Save time and money on your workflows with simpler and more powerful methods.
Build the foundation you need to follow more advanced topics in free and open-sourced communities.
Solidify your place in the new economy.

What You Will Keep

All exercise notebooks with affiliated answer keys and instructor comments.
Access to a network of like-minded people for continued learning and sharing of material.
Access to the online communities pushing continually evolving online advanced geoscience Python resources.
A certificate from Inly attesting to your skill.