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PHA-30053 - 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-30053 - Advanced Formulation Science (Cosmetic Science)
Coordinator: Neil Grazier Room: HORN 2.24 Tel: +44 1782 7 33793
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
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

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 you will be encouraged to seek information from related fields (such as drug delivery) which can enhance your knowledge of cutting edge cosmetic formulations.
You will be encouraged to engage with the primary and secondary literature throughout the module in order to advance skills in research. You will research the literature describing the main areas addressed in this module.

Aims
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

1: Report weighted 60%
Formulation Laboratories
Laboratory-based practical assessment comprising a summative laboratory session and supervised data analysis session, presented as an authentic task reflecting professional practice in the cosmetics sector, with emphasis on developing transferable skills in scientific reasoning, regulatory compliance, and effective communication. Completion of COSHH risk assessments before practical work and maintenance of contemporaneous batch records throughout activities. Preparation of a 500-word results and discussion section of a laboratory report during the supervised data analysis session, focusing on data analysis and interpretation from an authentic task using appropriate scientific conventions. Formative assessment is provided in advance, aligned with the summative task in learning outcomes and assessment demands, enabling rehearsal of required skills, feedback, and targeted improvement before the final assessment.

2: Exam weighted 40%
End of module examination
Two-hour unseen examination undertaken under invigilated conditions in a designated university computer facility. Assessment content covers material from across the module, including lectures, practical classes, workshops, data interpretation exercises, and problem-solving activities. Question formats may include a combination of short-answer questions, extended essay-style responses, and numerical problem-solving tasks, allowing variation to reflect both the quantitative/data analysis components of the subject and areas suited to extended written discussion. Evaluates students’ ability to interpret information, apply scientific reasoning, and construct evidence-based responses in an authentic disciplinary context.

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