MA300     
Game Theory

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Bernhard Von Stengel and Mrs Nicola Wittur

Availability

This course is available on the BSc in Accounting and Finance, BSc in Business Mathematics and Statistics, BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, BSc in Economics, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Economics and BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business. 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

The course emphasises a formal treatment of mathematical Game Theory through definitions, theorems and proofs. Familiarity with a rigorous treatment of mathematics is expected. Basic knowledge of matrices 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 game theory with applications to economics. MA300.1: same as for Game Theory I (MA301). MA300.2: Coalitional game theory - central solution concepts with application: the core, Shapley value, stable sets, weighted majority games, market games, stable matching.

Teaching

This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 60 hours across Michaelmas and Lent 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

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

Indicative reading

Lecture slides will be provided, as well as references to selected papers. Further reading: R Gibbons, A Primer in Game Theory, 1992; A Mas-Colell, M Whinston, J Green: Microeconomic Theory; M Osborne, A Rubinstein: A Course in Game Theory; M Maschler, E Solan, S Zamir: Game Theory.

Assessment

Exam (90%, duration: 3 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: 22

Average class size 2019/20: 11

Capped 2019/20: No

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

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