PHA-20034 - 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 develop an understanding of, and gain practical experience in, the formulation of key cosmetic science formulations that are 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 practical-focused programme in formulation development. 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.

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of, and gain practical experience in, the formulation of key cosmetic science formulations that are marketed in major international territories (e.g. UK, EU, USA). This module builds on the science content at level 4 and the preceding module Fundamentals of Formulation Science and aims to provide a detailed exploration of the key practical considerations that underpin successful formulation development related to formulation types that are predominately associated with cosmetic and home and personal care products in the context of product marketing.
This module will also consider formulation strategies to enhance the development of sustainable products within the cosmetics industry.

Intended Learning Outcomes

apply an integrated approach towards consumer need which links cosmetic formulation development science and cosmetic business development and product marketing;: 1,2,3
explain how the underpinning concepts in physical chemistry and materials science which underpin cosmetic formulation science are applied to the successful development of cosmetic formulations;: 1,2,3
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;: 1,2,3
evaluate and select processes and formulations appropriate to the manufacture of specified cosmetic formulation products;: 1,2,3
describe the relevance of microbiology within cosmetic formulation development in the context of cosmetic product efficacy, stability and shelf-life, and how this is applied to formulation design and manufacture;: 1,2,3
demonstrate competence in physicochemical calculations related to cosmetic formulation design and evaluation;: 1,2,3
recognise the role of the skin in percutaneous absorption, including dermal and transdermal delivery, in the context of safety and toxicity of cosmetic products;: 3
recognise the role of sustainability in cosmetic product development and apply this to cosmetic formulation design and manufacture;: 1,2,3
apply knowledge of appropriate safety considerations to the safe and effective development of laboratory skills in physical chemistry and formulation.: 1,2

Study hours

100 hours teaching
200 hours self-study
Large- and small-group teaching sessions: 50 hours
Skills-based practical work: 50 hours
Directed private study, revision and assessment: 195 hours
Exam: 2 hours
In-lab test: 3 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment