Undergrad David McMahon: The Master of Demystifying Science

  • Thread starter Thread starter Demystifier
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

David McMahon is recognized for his extensive collection of introductory textbooks in the "Demystified" series, covering subjects such as Biochemistry, Quantum Mechanics (QM), Relativity, and String Theory. Contrary to initial perceptions of being overly simplistic or flashy, these books are technical and provide detailed calculation steps, making them accessible for practical learning. The cook-book style of writing allows readers to grasp practical calculations without delving deeply into abstract theories. Fans of McMahon's work appreciate the clarity and structured approach of his texts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts
  • Familiarity with mathematical calculations
  • Knowledge of Quantum Mechanics and Relativity
  • Interest in pedagogical approaches to science education
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore David McMahon's "Demystified" series for practical learning
  • Research Quantum Mechanics textbooks for foundational knowledge
  • Study Relativity principles through accessible literature
  • Investigate String Theory resources for advanced understanding
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students, educators, and anyone interested in a practical approach to learning complex scientific concepts through structured and accessible textbooks.

Demystifier
Science Advisor
Insights Author
Messages
14,608
Reaction score
7,220
No, I am not talking about myself. :biggrin:

I am talking about David McMahon who has written a large collection of excellent introductory pedagogic undergraduate textbooks, most of which in the "Demystified" series, on physics, mathematics, and other related stuff. The topics on which he has written books range from Biochemistry to String Theory, which is impressive by itself. For a more complete list of his books see


I have been reading several of his books, and I more than liked them. Are there any other fans of him and his work?
 
  • Like
Likes Greg Bernhardt
Physics news on Phys.org
I've seen the books but never looked inside as I always thought they were too flashy and pop sci oriented like the Dummies and the Idiot's guide books.

I'll have to take another look.

Thanks for sharing.
 
jedishrfu said:
I've seen the books but never looked inside as I always thought they were too flashy and pop sci oriented like the Dummies and the Idiot's guide books.
The pictures on front covers are misleading. Those are fully technical books, often with all calculation steps written down explicitly so that calculations are easy to follow. The books are written in a cook-book style, meaning that you will not find many deep thoughts, but you will easily learn how to do the practical calculations without going too deeply into abstract general theory.
 
That's great, thanks. I'll have to check them out.

I'm most curious about the QM and Relativity ones and String theory too.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
11K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 56 ·
2
Replies
56
Views
10K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
20K