ETKS016 Introduction to Biometric Research 7.5 ECTS

Course name:
Introduction to Biometric Research

ECTS/HP: 7.5 ECTS

Course Code: ETKS016

Level: Third-cycle course

Eligibility Requirements The course is open to doctoral students admitted to postgraduate research studies at Luleå University of Technology and to postgraduate students admitted to other universities.

Prerequisites: Doctoral students should have completed at least six months of their postgraduate studies to be familiar with the research questions within their own PhD project. Basic knowledge in experimental research methods and statistics is recommended.

Course Content: The course provides a basic understanding of biometric research and an overview of current methods for measuring human behaviour using biometric sensors. The course consists of three parts that can be taken separately or as a cohesive whole. The doctoral student can choose to take only the first introductory part, delve into the second part, or complete all three parts for a full course scope of 7.5 credits.

The course comprises three parts:

1. Introduction and basic concepts (3 credits)
   The first part provides an overall introduction to biometric research, various approaches to experimental design, and what can be measured with different types of biometric sensors. The focus is on understanding sensor principles, measurement parameters, collection methods, and research ethics related to human experiments.
2. In-depth study in biometric research (1.5 credits)
   The second part focuses on a specific area within biometric research. Here, participants study current research questions and technologies, and analyze limitations, challenges, and opportunities. The module includes designing experiments for a selected type of biosensor, with particular focus on method selection, validity, and data interpretation.
3. Design, implementation, and analysis (3 credits)
   The third part includes planning, implementation, and analysis of an own biometric lab experiment. Participants formulate research hypotheses, select sensors and respondents, plan sampling and selection, develop initial design and prototype, test and evaluate, and conduct the final data collection and analysis. The results are compiled and presented in an academic research report. All practical experiment elements are carried out in the DEPICT laboratory, where participants have access to advanced equipment for biometric data collection and analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate broad knowledge and a systematic understanding of biometric research methodology and current applications in the field.
• Demonstrate familiarity with scientific methodology in general and with the specific research field's methods, particularly in experimental and sensor-based research.
• Explain principles, limitations, and application areas for various biometric sensors such as EEG, fNIRS, EMG, ECG, GSR, and eye tracking.

Skills and abilities

• Independently and critically identify, formulate, and plan research questions related to biometric measurements and choose appropriate methods for data collection and analysis.
• Conduct biometric experiments including hypothesis formulation, participant selection, sensor selection, and experimental design within given time frames.
• Demonstrate the ability for scientific analysis and synthesis of complex data from biometric experiments.
• Orally and in writing present and discuss biometric research and research results with scientific accuracy, both in academic and applied contexts.

Judgment and approach

• Demonstrate intellectual independence, scientific integrity, and the ability to make research ethical assessments in connection with the collection and handling of biometric data.
• Reflect on the possibilities and limitations of science, particularly related to the measurement of human behavior and the ethical implications that follow.
• Assess the reliability, validity, and objectivity of biometric research results.

Course methods:

The course includes lectures, seminars, supervised laboratory sessions, and group project work. Active participation in all activities is required.

Examination form:

• Parts 1–2: Oral presentation and a short written report
• Part 3: Group-based research report and oral presentation.
• Active participation in seminars and laboratory sessions.

Grading scale: Pass / Fail

Course Literature:

A selection of scientific articles, reports, and reference materials provided at the start of the course.

Course Period: 20260204 – 20260615

Course is given periodically: Yes

Apply to the course: Peter Törlind, peter.torlind@ltu.se

Deadline for application: 16 January 2026

Open to Doctoral Students from Other Universities: Yes

Limited number of students 20

Tuition:
For doctoral students admitted at institutions other than LTU, a fee of 5000 SEK applied

Contact person:

Peter Törlind, Peter.Torlind@ltu.se, 0920-492412

Examiner: Peter Törlind

Course syllabus decided by:

Helena Ranängen, Director of Studies for doctoral education ETKS

Date of decision:

25-10-27