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Mathematical Economics - ECO00007H

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  • Department: Economics and Related Studies
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Anindya Bhattacharya
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
    • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module summary

In this module, we study how people make decisions in strategic situations – that is, we study some topics in Game Theory. Given that this field originally emerged as a subfield of applied mathematics, we naturally employ mathematics as our tool to analyse strategic interactions.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations


Additional information

If a student does not like proving results by analytical arguments using the language of Mathematics (as opposed to merely loose verbal reasoning) then s/he may not feel comfortable with this module.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22 to Spring Term 2021-22

Module aims

To introduce students to some of the mathematical assumptions and analyses that underlie economic intuitions in strategic situations and which are typically used in order to derive economic properties of equilibrium ideas in a rigorous fashion.

Module learning outcomes

On completing the module a student will be able to:

  • Have acquired a small set of analytical methods of argument and proof
  • Have developed problem solving skills in formally stated economic problems
  • Appreciate the links between economic theory and formal mathematical analysis
  • Have acquired a set of analytical methods, and practice and skill in using them in problem solving; and an appreciation of how the economic theory works in these areas

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Mathematical Economics		 8 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Mathematical Economics		 8 hours 100

Module feedback

  • Procedural: Through seminars and problem sets for these seminars. In advance of each seminar you should have looked at the seminar questions, and prepared your answer to them. Your tutor will expect you to be able to participate in analysing and discussing these questions. The precise format of seminars may vary. Your tutor will give you further guidance on this.
  • Final: There will be a 3-hour unseen examination in the Summer Term.

Indicative reading

Main References:

In the Autumn term, we use the following textbook:

  • Watson, Joel (2013, 3rd edition) Strategy: An Introduction to Game Theory. Norton.

We cover parts I and II of the book in the Autumn term, except chapter 13.

For the Spring term, we use the following textbook:

  • Mas-Colell, A., Whinston, M.D. and Green, J.R. (1995). Microeconomic Theory. Oxford University Press.

There will also be some supplementary materials and papers.

You may also find the following textbooks helpful:

  • Gibbons, R. (1992). A Primer in Game Theory. Prentice-Hall.
  • Osborne, M.J. (2004). An Introduction to Game Theory. Oxford.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.