This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary area of Algorithmic Mechanism Design: where computational perspectives are applied to economic problems, and economic techniques are brought to problems from computer science. We will explore a broad range of topics at the frontier of new research, starting with some of the fundamentals, such as welfare-maximizing auctions and types of Nash Equilibria. Throughout the semester, the class will also learn about prevalent topics such as (1) Data Science & Incentives, (2) Mechanism Design for Social Good, and (3) optimization and robustness in mechanism design. This course is designed as an introductory graduate - level course but is open to advanced undergraduates with permission from the instructor. While the formal undergraduate prerequisites are DS 120, DS 121, and DS122 and DS 320 (or equivalent), the course assumes strong proficiency in these topics for graduate students. Students should have: - Mathematical maturity and comfort with formal proofs - A solid understanding of probability (discrete and continuous random variables, moments, and conditional probability) - Familiarity with algorithms and computational efficiency. Undergraduate students interested in this course should contact Professor Goldner (goldner@bu.edu) before registering for the course.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.