MA402      Half Unit
Mathematical Game Theory

This information is for the 2023/24 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Galit Ashkenazi-Golan COL 3.08

Availability

This course is available on the CEMS Exchange, MBA Exchange, MPA in Data Science for Public Policy, 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 (MA330) or Game Theory I (MA301).

Students on the MPA in Data Science for Public Policy are required to seek permission to take this course. 

Pre-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

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

Formative coursework

Weekly exercises are set and marked.

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 2022/23: 34

Average class size 2022/23: 17

Controlled access 2022/23: No

Lecture capture used 2022/23: Yes (MT)

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course 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