MA301      Half Unit
Mathematical Game Theory

This information is for the 2022/23 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Galit Ashkenazi-Golan COL 3.08

Availability

This course is available on the BSc in Accounting and Finance, BSc in Business Mathematics and Statistics, BSc in Data Science, BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, BSc in Economics, BSc in Management, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Economics, BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business and BSc in Psychological and Behavioural Science. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is available with permission to General Course students.

Pre-requisites

Familiarity with a rigorous treatment of mathematics (through definitions, theorems and proofs) is expected. Basic knowledge of matrices and continuity as covered in Mathematical Methods (MA100) or Quantitative Methods (MA107) as well as some knowledge of probability is required.

Course content

Concepts and methods of mathematical game theory. Nim and combinatorial games. Congestion games. Games in strategic form, dominated strategies, Nash equilibrium. Cournot quantity competition. Game trees with perfect information, backward induction. Commitment. Expected utility. Mixed equilibrium. Zero-sum games, maxmin strategies. Extensive games with information sets, behaviour strategies, perfect recall. Bargaining. Geometry of equilibria.

Teaching

This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 30 hours across Michaelmas Term. 

Formative coursework

Written answers to set problems will be expected on a weekly basis.

Indicative reading

Required text: B von Stengel, Game Theory Basics. Cambridge University Press, 2022.

Assessment

Exam (90%, duration: 2 hours) in the January exam period.
Continuous assessment (10%).

Key facts

Department: Mathematics

Total students 2021/22: 40

Average class size 2021/22: 8

Capped 2021/22: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

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Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills