MA402 Half Unit
Game Theory I
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Bernhard Von Stengel
Availability
This course is available on the CEMS Exchange, MBA Exchange, MSc in Applicable Mathematics, MSc in Financial Mathematics and MSc in Operations Research & Analytics. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
It is not available to students who have taken Game Theory (MA300) or Game Theory I (MA301).
Pre-requisites
The course emphasises a formal treatment of mathematical Game Theory through definitions, theorems and proofs. Familiarity with a rigorous treatment of mathematics is expected. Students must know basics of linear algebra (matrix multiplication, geometric interpretation of vectors) and probability theory (expected value, conditional probability, independence of random events).
Course content
Concepts and methods of mathematical game theory with some applications to economics. Nim and combinatorial games. Congestion games. Game trees with perfect information. Backward induction. Extensive and strategic (normal) form of a game. Expected utility. Nash equilibrium. Commitment. Zero sum games, mixed strategies, maxmin strategies. Nash equilibria in mixed strategies. Finding mixed-strategy equilibria for two-person games. Extensive games with information sets, behaviour strategies, perfect recall. If time permits: The Nash bargaining solution, multistage bargaining, private-value auctions.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 30 hours across Michaelmas Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of virtual classes and lectures delivered as online videos.
Formative coursework
Weekly exercises are set and marked.
Indicative reading
Lecture notes will be provided. Supplementary reading: K Binmore, Playing for Real: Game Theory CUP, 2007; E Mendelson, Introducing Game Theory and Its Applications, CRC 2004
Assessment
Exam (90%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Coursework (10%).
Weekly exercises will be set and marked, and count as coursework.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Mathematics
Total students 2019/20: 25
Average class size 2019/20: 13
Controlled access 2019/20: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills
