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PHA-20034 - Module Specification
School of Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

PHA-20034 - Applied Formulation Science (Cosmetic Science)
Coordinator: Neil Grazier Room: HORN 2.24 Tel: +44 1782 7 33793
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

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 you with a forum to demonstrate your potential to work in and lead interdisciplinary teams.

Aims
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 with cosmetic business development and product marketing, adapting strategies to meet the scientific, commercial, and regulatory requirements of major international territories (e.g. UK, EU, USA): 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: 1,3
explain how physiological factors (e.g. sensory evaluation of cosmetic properties) affect the choice of cosmetic formulations to deliver products based on safety profile and cosmetic efficacy, integrating knowledge of cultural, regulatory, and market influences relevant to major international territories (e.g. UK, EU, USA): 1,3
evaluate and select processes and formulations appropriate to the manufacture of specified cosmetic formulation products: 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: 1,3
recognise the role of sustainability in cosmetic product development and apply this to cosmetic formulation design and manufacture, integrating knowledge of global sustainability trends, regulatory requirements, and consumer preferences in major international territories (e.g. UK, EU, USA): 1,3
apply knowledge of appropriate safety and sustainability considerations to the safe and effective development of laboratory skills in physical chemistry and formulation, integrating awareness of global market expectations, environmental priorities, and compliance requirements in major international territories (e.g. UK, EU, USA): 3

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

1: Report weighted 30%
Formulation Laboratory Report
Students complete a supervised, invigilated assessment requiring the analysis and interpretation of experimental or authentic datasets related to cosmetic formulation, development, or evaluation. Working independently in a controlled environment, students apply relevant scientific and mathematical methods — including calculations, formula-based data interpretation, spreadsheet analysis, and graph/table generation — to produce a concise scientific report. The session may include specific structured prompts (e.g. abstract writing) to assess students' ability to communicate findings clearly and professionally using appropriate conventions, including equations, units, figures, and academic referencing. All work must be completed and submitted electronically within the allocated session.

2: Portfolio weighted 30%
Laboratory Competency Portfolio
A supervised portfolio is used to assess students’ competency in laboratory-based formulation tasks through in-session activities. Students are required to complete documentation such as COSHH forms and batch records, perform formulation-related calculations, analyse experimental data, and communicate findings using appropriate technical conventions. All portfolio components must be completed and submitted during scheduled laboratory sessions. Assessment is based on direct staff observation, structured peer audit exercises, and collaborative team documentation. Designed as an authentic assessment, the portfolio reflects real-world laboratory practices and ensures the safe, accurate, and industry-relevant development of skills aligned with principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Quality Management Systems (QMS).

3: Exam weighted 40%
End of module examination
The end-of-module examination will be two hours in length and will include MCQ and LAQ questions. Workshops and problem classes will support this throughout the module.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025