Society of Cosmetic Scientists

The Course

The course consists of three modules, some of which utilise Practical Activity Kits (PAKs), and these together with CD Roms are provided in three separate mailings – corresponding in one per term.

  
   
First Mailing
Disc One - Basic Principals of Cosmetic Science – Module One

The first module introduces students to the following underpinning sciences in their various relevant forms, together with safety aspects in the workplace. Raw materials form an important part of the basic groundwork and certain specialist areas are fed into this part together with the structure of skin and hair.
Module One
Unit 1   Basic Chemistry
Unit 2   Analytical Chemistry
Unit 3   Colloid and Interface Science
Unit 4   Cell Physiology and Physiology
Unit 5   Bio Chemistry
Unit 6   Basic Microbiology
Unit 7   Oils, Fats and Waxes
Unit 8   Surfactants
Unit 9   Gums Thickeners and Resins
Unit 10   Emulsions
Unit 11   Skin Biology
Unit 12   Hair Structure
   
Second Mailing
Disc Two
Formulation – Module Two
Manufacture and Control – Module Three

In Modules Two and Three the emphasis is on formulation and manufacture. It therefore, encompasses hair products, skin products, cleansing agents, decorative cosmetics. Together with the manufacturing of cosmetics and toiletries, which will include production and packaging.

Module Two
Unit 13   Perfumery
Unit 14   Oral Hygiene
Unit 15   Hair Products
Unit 16   Skin Products
Unit 17   Decorative Cosmetics

Module Three
Unit 18   Packaging
Unit 19   Production
Unit 20   Quality Assurance
Unit 21   Product Stability
Unit 22   Aerosols
Unit 23   Industrial Microbiology
   
Third Mailing
This final part is concerned more with use of the finished product and includes legislation and product safety. It also give due consideration to the market place and how these products might be received, thereby dealing with environmental impact, marketing issues, consumer research, product evaluation, psychology, statistics and claim support.

Disc Three– Perfecting the Product
Module Four
Unit 24   Legislation
Unit 25   Product Evaluation
Unit 26   Statistics for Product Evaluation
Unit 27   Product Safety
Unit 28   Consumer and Market Research
Unit 29   Claim Support
Unit 30   Marketing including Psychology
Unit 31   Product Development
   
A weekend Summer School is also run in July for revision purposes before the exams.

At the end of the course students will have a through and up-to-date knowledge of raw materials and products in the cosmetics, toiletries and allied industries and be able to: Work with a high degree of independence, evaluate and use appropriate materials, processes and equipment, be competent in problem identification, making decisions and developing strategies, retrieve information from a range of sources and critically review it, organise and manage their work as an individual and as part of a team.
They should also have: A responsible attitude to product safety and safe practices, and be fully versed in the principles of good manufacturing practice.
   
They will be competent in the application of scientific principles to the formulation, production and packaging of cosmetic and toiletry products. Have the ability to evaluate cosmetic safety and efficacy, a full understanding of regulatory and quality guidelines with respect to cosmetic and toiletry products, an appreciation of the marketing of cosmetics and toiletries and an understanding of marketing trends and a knowledge and regard for the impact of the industry on the environment.
Key Skills
Students should be able to obtain, interpret, apply and communicate technical information. Apply mathematical and statistical procedures, demonstrate an appropriate level of computer literacy, solve relevant problems and manage their own work effectively.