MA402 Half Unit
Mathematical Game Theory
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Galit Ashkenazi-Golan
Prof Bernhard Von Stengel
Availability
This course is available on the CEMS Exchange, MBA Exchange, MPA in Data Science for Public Policy, MSc in Financial Mathematics, MSc in Mathematics and Computation and MSc in Operations Research & Analytics. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission.
It is not available to students who have taken Game Theory I (MA301).
Students on the MPA in Data Science for Public Policy are required to seek permission to take this course.
Requisites
Additional requisites:
Familiarity with a rigorous treatment of mathematics (through definitions, theorems and proofs) is expected. Students must know basics of linear algebra (matrix multiplication, geometric interpretation of vectors), analysis (continuity, closed sets), and probability theory (expected value, conditional probability, independence of random events).
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
10 hours of seminars and 20 hours of lectures in the Autumn Term.
Formative assessment
Weekly exercises are set and marked.
Indicative reading
Required text: B von Stengel, Game Theory Basics. Cambridge University Press, 2022.
Assessment
Exam (90%), duration: 120 Minutes in the January exam period
Continuous assessment (10%)
Key facts
Department: Mathematics
Course Study Period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 33
Average class size 2024/25: 17
Controlled access 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills