(1) Get familiar with the microeconomic theory of uncertainty and information, its conclusions, limitations, and main applications;
(2) Acquire a working knowledge of techniques to analyze problems of choice under uncertainty and of asymmetric information.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT METHOD(S) USED IN THIS COURSE IS WITH RESERVATION. A RE-EMERGENCE OF THE CORONAVIRUS AND NEW COUNTERMEASURES BY THE DUTCH GOVERNMENT MIGHT FORCE COORDINATORS TO CHANGE THE TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS USED. THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEACHING/ASSESSMENT METHOD(S) WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE COURSE SYLLABUS.

This course, which falls under the area of mathematical economics and belongs to the Bachelor program Econometrics and Operations Research, gives an introduction to the microeconomic theory of uncertainty and information. In the course, we study basic elements of the role that information plays in the decisions of individuals and firms, as well as in the working of markets. This is done by combining elementary methods of microeconomics with those from elementary probability theory. First, we introduce expected utility maximization, the standard model of choice under uncertainty. We then use this model to study numerous important issues arising from incomplete information, such as attitudes toward risk, demand for insurance, portfolio selection, value of information, (in)efficiency of markets, moral hazard, and adverse selection.

Bikhchandani, S., J. Hirshleifer, and J.G. Riley (2013), The Analytics of Uncertainty and Information, 2nd edition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Prior knowledge in microeconomics equivalent to the course Microeconomics (EBC1012) is essential. Recommended are also the courses Probability Theory (EBC1024), Analysis II (EBC1032), Optimisation (EBC2105), and Game Theory and Economics (EBC2110). Exchange and elective students should be aware of the advanced mathematical level of this course.