PHA-10038 - Module Specification
School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module will address the key aspects of the cosmetic industry, including human anatomy and how cosmetic products interact with it, both in a positive sense and also how we understand and deal with issues of possible toxicity. The chemical sciences will focus on how to apply this to cosmetic formulation design and manufacture, including aspects of bioformulation and compatibility within formulations. This will be considered in the legal and regulatory framework (including advertising) in significant major territories, along with the quality systems required to ensure product quality and safety. Finally, students will be introduced to concepts of marketing and how it sits with the key areas of science in the cosmetic and related sectors.

This module aims to introduce students to the multi-disciplinary and complex area of cosmetic sciences. The module will begin with the legal and regulatory framework that defines, in a range of key territories, what we mean by a "cosmetic", how cosmetics and associated home and personal care products are designed from the marketing perspective to product formulation and production. Within this framework the key aspects of formulation science, anatomy, pharmacology and toxicology will be introduced in the context of consumer need.

Intended Learning Outcomes

explain the key aspects of anatomy and physiology as they relate to the design, application and use of cosmetic products;: 1,2
explain the key concepts in physical chemistry that underpin successful cosmetic formulation design;: 1,2
describe the key aspects of pharmacology and how they relate to the administration and uptake of cosmetic product ingredients;: 1,2
understand the current regulations and rules governing the manufacture and sale of cosmetic products in key territories;: 1,2
appreciate and describe the role of analytical sciences in assuring the quality of cosmetic products;: 1,2
appreciate the key concepts in consumer marketing and how they influence product manufacture and sales of cosmetic product, and how different cultures and territories differ in their approach to approving cosmetic products.: 1,2

Study hours

Lectures, workshops and seminars 44 hours:
- anatomy, physiology and pharmacology in the context of product application and safety / toxicity (6 hours)
- the key chemical aspects of cosmetic formulation design and manufacture, including bioformulation and compatibility considerations (to include routes of delivery (2 hours), types of products and their formulation (16 hours))
- the current regulatory and legal requirements in major territories (6 hours)
- the quality systems used to ensure product quality and safety (8 hours)
- marketing and claims for cosmetic products (6 hours)
Seminars and feedback sessions to support assessments (6 hours)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment