Module Code - Title:

EE6022 - BIOMETRICS

Year Last Offered:

2026/7

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

2

Tutorial

1

Other

0

Private

8

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

EE6022

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

Provide the groundwork for defining biometrics as a discipline and to introduce topics that are common to the field of biometrics. The student will be aware of the theoretical foundations and practical application and limitations of using modern biometric techniques.

Syllabus:

* Fundamentals of Biometrics: Basic terminology and core biometric concepts. Verification, identification and authentication with biometrics. Common biometrics:- Fingerprint recognition, iris recognition, face recognition and voice recognition. Additional biometrics:- signature, gait, DNA, keystroke and hand geometry. Individuality of biometric data. * Performance of Biometrics: Basic system errors. System performance (error rates, speed + cost), robustness and reliability, performance metrics, testing and evaluation. Error conditions specific to biometrics. Pattern recognition systems and signal processing for biometric systems * Biometric Systems: Enrolment and biometric databases policies. Methods of using biometric data. Attacks on biometric systems, Template protection. Standards, privacy and legal issues. Applications and scalability.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Upon completion of the module, the student will be able to - Identify the fundamental principles underlying a biometric system - Use performance metrics to evaluate a biometric system - Describe the signal processing and pattern recognition techniques used in common biometrics - Compare common biometrics - Detail practical aspects of developing a working biometric system

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

N/A

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

Through lectures, case studies and project work

Prime Texts:

R. M. Bolle, J. H. Connell, S. Pankanti, N. Ratha, W. Senior (2004) Guide to Biometrics, Springer , Springer Verlag

3. Chirillo, J., Blaul, S. (2003) Implementing Biometric Security , Wiley

Ashbourn, J., (2004) Practical Biometrics - From Aspiration to Implementation , Springer Verlag

Other Relevant Texts:

2. Nanavati, S., Thieme, M., Nanavati, R. (2002) Biometrics - Identity Verification in a Networked World , Wiley Publishing

1. Bhanu, B., Tan, X. (2004) Computational Algorithms for Fingerprint Recognition , Kluwer Academic Publishers

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CYBER SECURITY

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CYBER SECURITY AND IT FORENSICS

MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN CYBER SECURITY

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Module Leader:

Richard.Conway@ul.ie