Module Search

ECON3301: Game Theory and Applications

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type	Tied
Level	3
Credits	20
Availability	Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location	Durham
Department	Economics

Prerequisites

Microeconomics (ECON2021) OR Economic Theory (ECON2291)

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

None.

Aims

The aim of this module is to equip students with the advanced knowledge and analytical skills associated with game theory and its economic applications.

Content

Game Theory is the systematic study of strategic interactions that are present everywhere, not only in economics but in politics, sociology, law, computer science, and sports. This module will mainly cover an introduction to the tools of game theory with an emphasis on its application to real life problems. Topics will be drawn primarily from the following:
Perfect and incomplete information games,
Static and dynamic games.
Cooperative games.
Bargaining
Auctions
Market design
Mechanism design
Resource allocation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

At the conclusion of the module students should:
be able to interpret scholarly articles that pursue a game theoretic approach;
have explored, understood and appreciated the complexity and contradictions of the relevant academic literature and be able to identify their own research questions.

Subject-specific Skills:

At the end of this module, students should:
be able to conduct game theoretic analysis for the resolution of practical problems driven by strategic behaviour;
be able to comment on the design of markets and private and public policies at local, national and international level, informed by the knowledge of game theory acquired in the module.

Key Skills:

Written Communication;
Planning, Organising and Time Management;
Problem Solving and analysis by applying game theory knowledge;
Using Initiative;
Numeracy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminars, and private study. Formative assessment to help prepare for in-person exam. Summative assessment is by means of in-person examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total	Monitored
Lectures	20	1 Per Week	1 Hour	20
Seminars	8	4 in term 1, 4 in term 2	1 Hour	8	Yes
Revision Lectures	2	2 in term 3	1 Hour	2
Preparation and Reading				170
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 70%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
One in-person written examination	2 hours	100	Same

Component: Written Assignment		Component Weighting: 30%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
One written assignment	1,500 words	100	Same

Formative Assessment

One written piece of work to prepare students for the summative exam.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.