Evolutionary Game Theory: Math 697EG


Meeting : TuTh 1:00--2:15    LGRT 115


Instructor : Luc Rey-Bellet

 Office :   1423 J LGRT
 Phone :  545-6020
 E-Mail :  luc@math.umass.edu
 Office Hours :   Tu 10:30--12:00,   Th 2:45--4:00,   or by appointment.


Homework:



Classnotes: Some (partial) classnotes will be posted and regularly updated here


References: I will not follow any textbook very closely. You are however very strongly encouraged to consult textbooks on your own.

The first three books are texts about evolutionary game theory and cover most of the class material.

The next three are general references on game theory (in its "static" form) and they are ordered by level of mathematical difficulty More references to come later


Syllabus: This course is an introduction to evolutionary game theory. Prerequisites are a working knowledge of differential equations as well as basic probability theory. No previous knowledge of game theory is required.
In standard game theory players can choose between different strategies, each strategy yields a payoff which depends on the strategies chosen by the other player(s). The central concept is the static concept of Nash equilibrium where no player has incentive to change his strategy choice. Evolutionary game theory was invented by biologists (and economists) to describe evolutionary selection process. Here players are drawn at random and are given a chance to update strategies. The updating mechanism (aka learning mechanisms) are various depending on the assumptions on players. One of the goal is to select/justify the static equlibrium concept via this dynamical approach. The applications of evolutionary games are numerous, for examples in biology, computer sciences, economics, and physics.
In the class we will first introduce the basics of static, non-cooperative game theory and discuss some of the concepts of equilibria. We then introduce and discuss dynamical approaches both using differential equations and simple stochastic models. Numerous examples will be discussed in detail.

Grade: Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Each student will pick a project of his choice (under my supervision). I expect a written project at the end of the semester and each student will give an oral presentation to the class.