PHA-30053 - 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 bring together all of the concepts in cosmetic science that have been covered in earlier modules to deliver an integrated and in-depth examination of topics that represent current thinking and recent advances in relevant physiological and formulations sciences. The application of knowledge gained is key to success in this module. The physiology strand will consider the recent research literature and evaluate how changes in our understanding of, for example skin physiology, impact on strategies in the development of new cosmetic formulations and products. This will be blended with the formulation strand which will start with a general introduction to advanced formulation science in cosmetic and related fields and then will address various delivery systems including modified and controlled release (e.g. for the release of fragrances), new knowledge in skin barrier repair and functionality in cosmetic products. The context of how cosmetic principles may inform and improve outcomes in other sectors (such as the adherence to topical product use in pharmaceutical therapy) will be discussed and students will be encouraged to seek information from related fields (such as drug delivery) which can enhance their knowledge of cutting edge cosmetic formulations.
Students will be encouraged to engage with the primary and secondary literature throughout the module in order to advance skills in research. Students will research the literature describing the main areas addressed in this module.

The aims of this module are to discuss recent advances in research focused on cosmetic sciences, specifically advances in our knowledge of physiological issues relevant to cosmetic science and how formulation technologies can deliver improved functionality in this context.
These themes are extended beyond currently accepted and marketed strategies to encourage students to evaluate current research in relevant areas.

Intended Learning Outcomes

demonstrate a detailed knowledge of how cosmetic formulations interact with physiological systems, including issues pertaining to regulatory borderlines;: 1,2
demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the relationship between in vitro / laboratory properties of cosmetic formulations to their in vivo / consumer behaviour;: 1,2
review, consolidate, and extend knowledge of the properties and applications of current and emerging formulations in cosmetic science which will yield optimal consumer benefit / buy-in;: 2
apply established techniques to acquire laboratory data and critically evaluate data from the literature about the properties of cosmetic formulations;: 1
interpret complex data obtained through experiments to formulate conclusions about the actions of drugs in physiological systems in order to develop knowledge of the safety profile of cosmetic products;: 1
critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship, including laboratory data, in cosmetic sciences relevant to the chosen research area;: 1,2
demonstrate detailed knowledge of the physicochemical properties of advanced and cutting-edge formulation technologies, including drug delivery technologies, in order to determine how they can be applied to cosmetic formulation development.: 1,2

Study hours

50 hours teaching
100 hours self-study
Large- and small-group teaching sessions: 25 hours
Skills-based practical work: 25 hours
Directed private study, revision and assessment: 96 hours
Exam: 2 hours
Student presentation session: 2 hours (10 minutes per student)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment