Course detail

Introduction to Game Theory

FSI-0TH-AAcad. year: 2025/2026

Basic course on Game Theory. Three basic mathematical models (normal form, characteristic function, extensive form) are studied. Various concepts of equilibria are discussed. Numerous practical problems are solved.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Mgr. Jaroslav Hrdina, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Mathematics (ÚM)

Entry knowledge

Linear algebra and elementary general algebra.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Active attendance on the seminars. The exam has a written and and oral part. In a 60-minute written test, students have to solve assigned problems. During the oral part of the exam, the examiner will go through the test with the student. The examiner should inform the students at the last lecture at the least about the basic rules of the exam and the assessment of its results.
Attendance at lectures is recommended, attendance at seminars is required. The lessons are planned on the basis of a weekly schedule.

Aims

The course aims to acquaint the students with the basics of game theory. Another goal of the course is to develop the students' logical thinking.
Students will be made familiar with theory games. They will be able to apply this theory in various engineering tasks.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Bezalel Peleg, Peter Sudhölter, Introduction to the Theory of Cooperative Games, Springer Science; Business Media, 2007 ISBN: 3540729453, 9783540729457  (EN)
J. Gonzalez-Diaz, I. Garcia-Jurado, and M. G. Fiestras-Janeiro, An Introductory Course on Mathematical Game Theory. American Mathematical Society, 2010. (EN)
Solan, E.: A Course in Stochastic Game Theory, London Mathematical Society Student Texts,  Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2022 (EN)
Ulrich Faigle, Mathematical Game Theory, World Scientific. ISBN-10. 9811246696. (2022)  (EN)

Recommended reading

Guillermo Owen, Game Theory, Vydání 4., Emerald Group Publishing, 2013, ISBN: 1781905088, 9781781905081 (EN)
Leonardo Badia Thomas Marchioro GAME THEORY A handbook of problems and exercises ISBN 978-88-9385-286-9  Società Editrice Esculapio (2022) (EN)
Solan, E.: A Course in Stochastic Game Theory, London Mathematical Society Student Texts, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2022 (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N-AIM-A Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme N-LAN-A Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory
  • Programme N-MAI-A Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Mgr. Jaroslav Hrdina, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Linear algebra
2. General algebra
3. Explicit form games
4. Normal form games
5. Methods for equilibrium strategies search
6. Antagonistic conflict
7. Theory of matrix games
8. Theory of utility function
9. Theory of convention
10. Game theory in biology, evolution game theory
11. Cooperative games.
12. Utility theory
13. Applications

Exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Mgr. Jaroslav Hrdina, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1st week: Basics of linear algebra.
Following weeks: Seminar related to the topic of the lecture given in the previous week.