PHA-20032 - 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

The aim of this module is to introduce and explain the key concepts in physical chemistry that underpin the formulation, testing and manufacture of key cosmetic products marketed in major international territories (e.g. UK, EU, USA). The module understands the need for hands-on experience in the formulation of cosmetic products, and also recognises that successful formulation development is best achieved following a thorough grounding in the key aspects of physical chemistry that underpin successful formulation development in many fields. Implicit in this is that the formulation achieves its goals as a cosmetic product and that it is both stable and safe and therefore viable as a mass-market consumer product.
Woven throughout the module is development of essential team-working: group-based tasks within the laboratory classes and workshops provide students with a forum to demonstrate their potential to work in and lead interdisciplinary teams.

This module builds on the science content at level 4 and aims to provide a detailed exploration of the key physicochemical phenomena that underpin successful formulation design related to formulation types that are predominately associated with cosmetic and home and personal care products in the context of product marketing.

Intended Learning Outcomes

demonstrate knowledge of consumer need which links cosmetic formulation development science and cosmetic business development and product marketing;: 1,2
explain the underpinning theories in physical chemistry and materials science which underpin cosmetic formulation science;: 1,2
explain how physiological factors (e.g. sensory evaluation of cosmetic properties) affect the choice of cosmetic formulations to deliver cosmetic formulations and products based on safety profile and cosmetic efficacy;: 1,2
evaluate and select processes and formulations appropriate to the manufacture of specified cosmetic formulation products;: 1,2
describe the relevance of microbiology within cosmetic formulation development in the context of cosmetic product efficacy, stability and shelf-life;: 1,2
demonstrate competence in physicochemical calculations related to cosmetic formulation design and evaluation;: 1,2
recognise the role of the skin in percutaneous absorption, including dermal and transdermal delivery, in the context of safety and toxicity of cosmetic products;: 2
recognise the role of sustainability in cosmetic product development and incorporate this into cosmetic formulation design and manufacture;: 1,2
apply knowledge of appropriate safety considerations to the safe and effective development of laboratory skills in physical chemistry and formulation.: 1

Study hours

100 hours teaching
200 hours self-study
Large- and small-group teaching sessions: 50 hours (key subjects include solution chemistry, formulation of different types of products and the underpinning sciences for these products, e.g. colloid science and emulsions / creams); key subjects will focus on current, relevant formulation types and the underpinning sciences relevant to their successful formulation, and such content is subject to change.
Skills-based practical work: 50 hours
Directed private study, revision and assessment: 198 hours
Exam: 2 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment