Game theory is the mathematics of strategy. It is a powerful framework for understanding how individuals and groups make decisions when their outcomes depend on others. This module introduces the foundational models of game theory and connects them to contemporary research and real-world behaviour.
The module covers a broad range of classic and modern topics, including discussions of notable research in the field. Most of the ideas are brought to life through interactive classroom experiments that mirror the games we study, encouraging discussion and reflection.
There’s a strong emphasis on independent learning. The in-class activities and discussions build core understanding, but you'll also be expected to explore the material in depth on your own. This course is not lectured: in class we work in parallel to the notes through activities and discussion. Assessment is a single 2-hour examination at the end of the semester.
Although independent learning is central to the course, you are not on your own. There is a lot of support: a quick self-check quiz and worked exam-type questions with solutions on every topic, the textbook's further examples and exercises, and regular example classes in which we work through exam questions together. The Start here page sets out how to use it all, and the quickest route to a pass.
Along the way, you’ll see how game theory draws on a wide range of mathematical ideas, including integer pivoting, interior point methods, numerical integration of differential equations, and Markov chains. This makes this module a great option whether you’re looking to apply familiar techniques or encounter these topics for the first time.
All course materials are available online at vknight.org/gt/. You can also find all the source files that create that website at github.com/drvinceknight/gt/.
There are 2 components to the course content, all of which can be found at this site.
Some topics also list optional further reading: related chapters of the textbook that may help, but that you do not need in order to follow the course.
In class we will not follow the class texts: these are there for you to read on your own time. Instead we will use activities and other examples to illustrate the concepts. I have my own notes for those (which are also available to you).
If you would like some information about the pedagogic approach:
It is possible that the course notes will change: for things like typos and clarifications, all of the notes are hosted openly on github and if you're interested you can find a list of all changes here: github.com/drvinceknight/gtb/commits/main
Please use whatever resources you need to be successful in this class. Let me know if I can help with anything.
I will not hold specific office hours. Please speak to me (face to face or via email) to arrange a time to meet.
In this course every participant (including myself) will be having many interactions with other participants. Some potential examples of this:
I expect every participant (including myself) to act with kindness during these interactions.
Some examples of how this applies to me:
There is one piece of assessment in this course:
More information about assessment: here