MA402 Half Unit
Game Theory I
This information is for the 2014/15 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Bernhard von Stengel COL 4.12
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Applicable Mathematics, MSc in Financial Mathematics and MSc in Management Science (Decision Sciences). 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
Students must have completed Quantitative Methods (Mathematics) (MA107) and Mathematical Methods (MA100).
Course content
The course examines the theory of games and its applications in economics: Game trees with perfect information, NIM, combinatorial games. Backward induction. Extensive and strategic (normal) form of a game. 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.
Teaching
20 hours of lectures and 9 hours of seminars in the MT. 1 hour of seminars in the LT.
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
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.
Key facts
Department: Mathematics
Total students 2013/14: 30
Average class size 2013/14: 16
Controlled access 2013/14: No
Lecture capture used 2013/14: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills
