CH2CCS1-Core Cosmetic Science 1

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: CH2PH1 Further Physical Chemistry
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Adam Bromley
Email: a.p.bromley@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Jessica Gusthart
Email: j.s.gusthart@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the chemistry behind cosmetic science, and provide a grounding such that they can complete module Core Cosmetic Science 2.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the chemistry behind cosmetic science, and provide a grounding such that they can complete module Core Cosmetic Science 2.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students should be able to:

• Understand the chemistry behind aerosols and powders/particles from a cosmetic science viewpoint


• Understand and explain wetting behaviour and dispersants


• Understand and explain the chemistry behind detergents and emulsions from a cosmetic science viewpoint


• Understand the use of thickeners and stabilisers when designing a product from a cosmetic science viewpoint


• Be able to explain the chemistry behind oils, fats, waxes and surfactants from a cosmetic science viewpoint


• Understand the rheology parameters required when designing a product from a cosmetic science viewpoint


• Compare and contrast the use of raw materials and their sources, understanding the ethical and environmental implications of each.

Additional outcomes:

The students should improve their team-working skills through workshops and oral presentation skills through a presentation. Students will learn how to use the literature to research a complex issue and write a comprehensive essay. In addition students should begin to develop the skills necessary for future employment.

Outline content:

• Oleochemistry including the structure of vegetable oils, the differences between waxes and oils, and comparing animal and vegetable oils


• Use of detergents and emulsions in cosmetic items and the HLB system 

• The rheology of materials used within cosmetic science


• Stability of detergent and emulsions, and factors that can affect this (2 lectures)


• The different types of thickener and stabiliser available and their use (2 lectures)


• Introduction to the chemistry of aerosols and powders/particles 


• Dispersants and wetting agents


• Student-directed learning into the ethics and environmental implications of the cosmetic industry


• Practical class (2 x 4 hours) where students prepare creams, gels and emulsions and assess their stability.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

In most weeks there will be 2 lectures and there will be approximately three practical sessions over the term.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	15
Seminars	2
Practicals classes and workshops	13
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)	10
Advance preparation for classes	10
Preparation for presentations	30
Essay preparation	20
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Oral assessment and presentation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will prepare both a written report and give an oral presentation on one aspect of the course - topics to be set by staff involved. Some of the workshops carried out during the module will lead to summative assessment.

Relative percentage of coursework: 100 %

50 % extended essay; 50 % oral presentation.

Formative assessment methods:

Workshops on problems.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be held in the summer resit period and will be by essay only, worth 100%

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 25 September 2023