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Learning game theory from the immune system

The goal of the task is to explore how concepts from game theory applies to mechanisms in life science, and to see what there is to learn from millions of years of evolution to make e.g. our body function optimally as a whole.


Game theory is often used to study economic interactions, e.g. the determination of price in markets. A simple, well-known and powerful concept from game theory is the prisoners dilemma, which shows how actors that optimize individually may end up with a solution that is not good for either. A more complex issue, is how one can devise rules that ensures that such situations does not arise. One could for instance think of laws and regulations in such a manner - as rules to ensure that companies and people play out in a way that is good in total.


There are also several examples along this line within life science. For instance, in the human body cells have to cooperate to promote the survival of the whole person. If just a single cell starts growing (dividing) without limitation, it may lead to serious harm or even death (cancer). Evolution has not only ensured that each cell is from the start programmed to restrain itself, but if a cell after mutations goes out of line, the immune system will also try to stop it from growing uncontrolled.


The task is to explore how game theory can be used to describe mechanisms from life science, e.g. mechanisms related to cancer and the immune system as described above.


No prior knowledge of biology or game theory is needed. As this is a very challenging task, good skills in abstract (mathematical) thinking is necessary. Also, it is recommended to take a course in game theory (e.g. ECON4240 or ECON3200/ECON4200) and a course in biology as part of the master.
 

Publisert 1. juni 2011 12:23 - Sist endret 7. des. 2011 11:55

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