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227-0694-00L 4 Credits MSC D-ITET
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Game Theory and Control

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Saverio Bolognani
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:05

Abstract

Game Theory is the study of strategic decision making, and was originally used to solve problems in economics. We study concepts and methods in non-cooperative game theory and show how these can be used to solve control design problems, emphasizing their possible use in control, robotics, and engineering applications.

Objective

Recognize control problems that can be formalized as noncooperative dynamic games, analyze these games to compute their Nash equilibria and to identify their most important properties.

Content

Introduction to game theory, mathematical tools including convex optimization and dynamic programming, zero sum games in matrix and extensive form, pure and mixed strategies, nonzero sum games in normal and extensive form, numerical computation of mixed equilibrium strategies, Nash and Stackelberg equilibria, potential games, convex games, multi-stage games, behavioral strategies, Markov games, auction and VCG mechanisms, evolutionary games.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes will be made available via Moodle.

Literature

Basar, T. and Olsder, G. "Dynamic Noncooperative Game Theory," 2nd Edition, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, 1998. Joao Hespanha "Noncooperative Game Theory: An introduction for engineers and computer scientists," Princeton University Press, 2017. Both books are available online and can be a useful reference during the course, but will not be strictly followed.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
None
Grading will consists of 3 mandatory homework assessments (10% each) and a 70% final written exam.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Game Theory and Control
The course Game Theory and Control will be offered every year in Autumn Semester, starting in HS 2023.
  • Mon 16:15-18:00 (ETF C 1)
2 h weekly
exercise Game Theory and Control
The course Game Theory and Control will be offered every year in Autumn Semester, starting in HS 2023.
  • Fri 14:15-16:00 (CAB G 11)
2 h weekly

Offered In

      • Vertiefung: Systems and Control (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Systems and Control", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
        • Kernfächer (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Systems and Control". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
        • Vertiefungsfächer (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Systems and Control", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)