Curriculum: Master of Science in Cosmetic Science

Curriculum: Master of Science in Cosmetic Science
08.01.2024
30
08.26.2024
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curriculum icon Curriculum at a Glance

Course offerings are designed to provide the know-how to develop cosmetic and personal care products that delight consumers and improve quality of life.  These include the physiology and pharmacology of pertinent therapeutic or benefit systems of skin and hair and those associated with approved OTC drug categories.

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Course offerings also cover the underlying physical, biophysical, colloidal, and interfacial chemistry and formulation science of skin, hair, cosmetic, and OTC drug products. 

Additional topics addressed in course offerings include:

  • Experimental design and statistical evaluation
  • Product evaluation techniques (in vitro and clinical) including stability evaluations
  • Cosmetic microbiology
  • Consumer research
  • US FDA cosmetic and drug regulations
  • Product development approaches

A concentrated one-week hands-on laboratory formulation session at the University of Cincinnati is also an option.

Required

Course Title / Description Credit
PCEU 7005
Pharmaceutical Sciences Journal Club
Course: PCEU 7005
Credit: 1
The course involves the reading and discussion of published or unpublished scientific research in arena relevant to the student's graduate studies. Many of the discussions will be student-led. The literature review sessions may be supplemented with scientific presentations by students, faculty visiting scientists.
1
PCEU 7010
Biostatistics & Research Methods
Course: PCEU 7010
Credit: 3
The course begins with basic statistical concepts, introduces essential descriptive and inferential statistical tests, demonstrates some data analysis tools and collection instruments, then discusses common research methodology for pharmaceutical and cosmetic sciences. Students will learn how to use statistics and research designs to evaluate scientific evidence to make individual and population-based decisions. Students will conduct some simple statistical analysis based on given data sets and interpret the results, as well review clinical research literature.
3
PCEU 7050
Ethics in Scientific Research- Pharmacy
Course: PCEU 7050
Credit: 1
Students will learn about the various ethical and moral issues that are often encountered in scientific research including ways to identify and analyze them in the practice of research. The course is designed as an option to meet the NIH and NSF requirements for training in RCR (Responsible conduct of research). Topics to be covered include: RCR principles and guidelines, mentorship, collaborative research, conflict of interests, authorship and plagiarism, intellectual property and data handling, research involving human and animal subjects, scientific integrity and misconduct and social responsibility.
1
PCEU 8024
Introduction to Surface, Colloid and Membrane Science
Course: PCEU 8024
Credit: 2
This introductory course will focus on fundamentals underpinning cosmetic formulations including wetting, spreading, contact angle, surface excess and adsorption, interfacial and solution chemistry of surfactants, surface tension, micellization, mixed surfactant systems, silicone surfactants, basic rheology, polymers and polyelectrolytes, silicone polymers, foams, foam stability and rheology, solid-liquid interface and an intro to bilayers and stratum corneum membrane.
2
PCEU 8025
Advanced Surface, Colloid, and Formulation Science
Course: PCEU 8025
Credit: 2
This course will focus on fundamentals underpinning creation, characterization and stability of complex fluids with multiphase systems. Topics covered will include the following: Phase behavior of surfactants and phase diagrams, polymer-surfactant and protein surfactant interactions, Emulsifiers and emulsification including various types of emulsions such as micro- nano- and mini-emulsions, DLVO theory of colloidal stability, Hansen solubility parameter, partitioning and release of actives in multicomponent systems.
2
PCEU 8030
Hair Care Science
Course: PCEU 8030
Credit: 2
This course covers the science of hair and hair care products. Topics will include hair growth, morphological and macromolecular structure of hair, physical properties of Hair, reducing agents, reactions and kinetics, permanent waving, straightening and depilation, hair coloring and bleaching, shampoos and conditioners, laboratory and consumer testing methods for evaluating hair properties, hair damage and repair, hair fixatives, dandruff.
2
PCEU 8051
Skin, Hair, and Oral Products
Course: PCEU 8051
Credit: 3
The class is designed to provide a practical overview of the formulation approaches used for cosmetic and selected OTC drug products broadly intended for use in skin care, hair care, and oral care, including stability and performance evaluations. Sufficient background information regarding the anatomy and physiology of the skin and associated appendages, the hair, and the oral cavity as well as solution and colloid (emulsion) chemistry will be provided for appropriate understanding of the contexts of the formulation approaches. In addition, an overview of pertinent FDA regulations regarding cosmetic and OTC products will be included as well as descriptions of the development processes for these products, record keeping, and intellectual property protection.
3
PCEU 8090
OTC Skin Care Product Formulation
Course: PCEU 8090
Credit: 2
The class is designed to provide an introduction into the physiology and conditions/diseases of theskin suitable for self-diagnosis and treatment. These include sunscreens, antiperspirants (and deodorants), and anti-acne products. Formulation approaches used for the over-the-counter (OTC) drug products intended for treatment of these conditions and diseases will be covered. This willinclude historical development, active agents and drugs, excipients, processing, packaging, and compatibility and stability issues. In addition, an overview of pertinent FDA regulations regardingcosmetic and OTC products will be included with emphasis upon the OTC monographs pertaining to sunscreen, antiperspirant, and anti-acne.
2
PCEU 8110
Introduction to Skincare and Haircare Science
Course: PCEU 8110
Credit: 2
Lectures and homework assignments covering basic skin and hair structure, properties of skin and hair, basic biophysical methods for evaluation of skin, basics of topical delivery, basics of hair growth, introduction to product technologies for skin cleansing, skin care, hand hygiene and hair care technologies and an intro to skin disease states.
2
PCEU 8180
Cosmetic Science Capstone I
Course: PCEU 8180
Credit: 2
This course is the first of a three-course sequence (Cosmetic Science Capstone I, II and III; PCEU8180, 8185, and 8190) that requires comprehensive evaluation of a topic pertaining to cosmetic science or OTC drug development that demonstrates competency in multidisciplinary didactic coursework and scientific, regulatory, and business aspects of research and development related to personal care or topical drug products under direction of a faculty Mentor. The result is a Capstone Paper and an open oral presentation before the faculty Mentor, one of the Capstone co-coordinators, and at least one other faculty member. In Cosmetic Science Capstone I (PCEU8180) students will receive instruction and experience in researching a topic, including using online information sources, organizing acquired information and references including use of reference manager software, and using proper reference citation formats, and in technical writing and oral presentation skills, all through lectures and peer group exercises. In addition, there will be both lectures and individual consulting sessions with each student by course faculty to guide the student in selecting an appropriate Capstone topic and identification of an appropriate Faculty Mentor. The Mentor will then guide the student through primary development and research of the topic in Cosmetic Science Capstone II and completion of the Capstone paper and oral presentation in Cosmetic Capstone III. The Cosmetic Science Capstone co-coordinators will assist the Mentors as needed and provide oversight. Further, the peer groups established in this course for training exercises will be available for peer review and support through the total Cosmetic Science Capstone sequences of course.
2
PCEU 8185
Cosmetic Science Capstone II
Course: PCEU 8185
Credit: 1
This course is the second of a three-course sequence (Cosmetic Science Capstone I, II and III; PCEU8180, 8185, and 8190) that requires comprehensive evaluation of a topic pertaining to cosmetic science or OTC drug development that demonstrates competency in multidisciplinary didactic coursework and scientific, regulatory, and business aspects of research and development related to personal care or topical drug products under direction of a Faculty Mentor. The final result is a Capstone Paper and an open oral presentation before the faculty Mentor, one of the Capstone co-coordinators and at least one other faculty member. In Cosmetic Science Capstone II (PCEU8185) the student will research published information sources and optionally generate survey or experimental data pertaining to their Capstone Topic selected in Cosmetic Science Capstone I (PCEU8180). Additionally, under the individual guidance of a Faculty Mentor students will prepare a detailed, referenced outline building on the preliminary outline created in Capstone I. This new outline will incorporate all of the requisite information obtained in this research in a format that will facilitate preparation of a technical paper of publishable quality on the Capstone Topic. The outline will also be approved by the course coordinators. Students may utilize peer review and discussion of their outlines with the peer group established in PCEU8180. Student will be expected to orally present (in a virtual format or in-person in Cincinnati as appropriate to conditions then current) an overview of the information and organization of their Capstone Topic to their Mentor, at least one course coordinator, and at least one other faculty member who will collectively provide comments and critique, as well as objectively assess whether a student is ready to progress to Cosmetic Science Capstone III (PCEU8190).
1
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Electives

Course Title / Description Credit
PCEU 8005
Safety Assessment of Cosmetic & Topical OTC Drug Products- Pre Clin & Clinical
Course: PCEU 8005
Credit: 2
This course will review the principles and guidelines for pre-clinical and clinical safety evaluation of new cosmetic and OTC drug products. The course will include a review of the regulatory requirements for safety testing, the role of the toxicologist, the importance of exposure in safety testing, specific types of safety studies (preclinical and clinical), and the use of the data for a risk assessment for marketing clearance of new products. Current hot topics and practical approaches to safety program design and management will be covered. Course work will include workshops to design safety programs, evaluation of the results to confirm safe exposure limits, and post marketing safety monitoring requirements.
2
PCEU 8015
Pharmacology-Basics and Cosmetic & Personal Care Product Applications
Course: PCEU 8015
Credit: 2
This introductory course will cover core principles of pharmacology including absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs. In addition, this course twill provide a fundamental understanding of pharmacodynamics and toxicodynamics, pharmacokinetics, principles of how agonists an antagonists interact with drug receptors to modulate physiologic function and the importance of the dose-response relations in drug development and therapy. Dermatological pharmacology pertaining to topical drugs and cosmetics will be reviewed with regard to major drug classes as well as " non-drug actives" and mechanisms of action. Novel models used in the evaluations of topical pharmacology and cosmetic products will also be addressed. In addition, the pharmacology of selected therapeutics relevant to OTC drugs such as respiratory, gastrointestinal and analgesia will be introduced.
2
PCEU 8016
Consumer Understanding for Formulators-Overview and Practice
Course: PCEU 8016
Credit: 2
This introductory course will cover the role of consumer understanding and consumer research in the development of a product, beginning with either a new technology or the identification of a currently unmet consumer need. We will explore the need for the use of consumer understanding to develop the core consumer concept, claims, product performance design and qualifications for market. We will also discuss and understand the role of Market data, public relations issues and success criteria in a consumer centric product ts company. Both Qualitative and Quantitative consumer research approaches will be overviews and each student will design and administer both a qualitative and quantitative research study in an area of their personal interest, with individual feedback and coaching playing a major part in their learning experience.
2
PCEU 8017
Introduction to Cosmetic Regulations
Course: PCEU 8017
Credit: 2
The course will introduce the basic concepts and processes relating to regulations that impact cosmetics, their constituent chemicals, packaging, labeling and advertising. Discussion will focus on the key jurisdictions that students interact with, especially the USA (and States), Canada and the EU. Topics covered in this course will include:
2
PCEU 8021L
Cosmetic Science Laboratory
Course: PCEU 8021L
Credit: 2
This laboratory course will teach formulation principles and give the students hands on experience in making skin and hair care products and testing their stability.
2
PCEU 8023
Fragrance Science
Course: PCEU 8023
Credit: 2
This course will focus on all aspects of fragrance as a science and as a commercial endeavor, including the sense of smell, the history of fragrance, fragrance creation and duplication, natural products and aroma chemicals used in fragrances, fragrance applications in personal care and household products, the physical chemistry of fragrance solutions, safety and regulatory requirements, the emotional and psychological effects of odors, and marketing considerations.
2
PCEU 8040
Color Cosmetics
Course: PCEU 8040
Credit: 2
Color Cosmetics is a two credit graduate course that provides a comprehensive look at the broad spectrum of color additives that are used in decorative cosmetic and personal care products, including water soluble dyes, standard organic andinorganic pigments as well as pearlescent, metallic, fluorescent and treated ones.
2
PCEU 8045
Color Cosmetics II
Course: PCEU 8045
Credit: 2
This Color Cosmetics II is a two credits graduate course that is a continuation of Color Cosmetics I (PCEU 8041) and provides a comprehensive review of color cosmetic formulations. Topics in Color Cosmetics II include powder products, pigmented emulsions, anhydrous wax, and solvent-based formulation. Raw materials, product development, and processing procedures will be reviewed. Shade matching in these major classes of color cosmetic formulations will also be covered.
2
PCEU 8046L
Introduction to Cosmetic Color Science Lab
Course: PCEU 8046L
Credit: 2
In this laboratory course students will learn experimental techniques to characterize physical and chemical properties of colorants and evaluate colorant properties such as hue, value, and chroma. Students will carry out studies of color mixing and color-matching utilizing color properties and characteristics like tint and tone. This course is also designed to teach fundamental methods of processing and incorporating color additives in product development in formats like lipstick, nail lacquers, pressed powders, and water-based personal care products.
2
PCEU 8060
Clinical and Instrumental Testing of Skin
Course: PCEU 8060
Credit: 2
This course covers principles of skin clinical testing, including human subject protection, study design and testing on special populations such as infants. The principles behind the most commonly used instruments for studying skin in-vivo are covered along with their use in clinical protocols. Methods covered include skin water loss measurements, electrical measurements, mechanical measurements, Laser Doppler blood flow, Ultrasound imaging, surface contour imaging, optical coherence tomography, skin color measurements, confocal microscopy, skin spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging. Protocols for testing moisturizers, cleansing products, "anti-aging" products and antiperspirants and deodorants are among those covered.
2
PCEU 8070
Molecular Biology of Skin
Course: PCEU 8070
Credit: 2
This is an advanced course focusing on the molecular biology of skin. The molecular structure of the epidermis, dermis and dermal epidermal junction will be covered in detail along with key cell signaling pathways in the skin.
2
PCEU 8080
Cosmetic Microbiology
Course: PCEU 8080
Credit: 2
This course will teach cosmetic science and microbiology graduate students up-to-date information on cosmetic microbiology, product preservation, skin microflora, and regulations pertaining to cosmetic and over-the-counter drug products. The approach is a practical one based on industry experience with the preservation of skin care products. Topics discussed include the historical developments in cosmetic microbiology, a basic review of microbiology, product preservation, preservatives, microbiological issues in the manufacturing plant, problems with Pseudomonas spp., modulation of skin microflora with products and probiotics, and the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act and Regulations pertaining to cosmetic and over-the-counter drug products.
2
PCEU 8089
OTC Drug Product and Dietary Supplement Product Development
Course: PCEU 8089
Credit: 3
The class is designed to provide a practical overview of: (1) pertinent FDA regulations regarding OTC drug products and dietary supplements; (2) the physiology of application sites with regard to drug or dietary supplement release from dosage forms and absorption; (3) product development considerations for systemically and locally acting over-the-counter (OTC) drug products; and (4) product development considerations for dietary supplements.
3
PCEU 8120
Advanced Skincare Science
Course: PCEU 8120
Credit: 3
Lectures and homework assignments covering basic skin anatomy, epidermis and dermis, dermatological terminology, SC barrier homeostasis, skin penetration, skin immune system, skin color, sunscreens, phototoxicity, skin microbiome, multi-ethnic skin, skin surfactant interactions, Skin irritation and dryness, eye irritation, molecular basis for skin moisturization and anti-aging products.
3
PCEU 8130
Advanced Hair Care Science
Course: PCEU 8130
Credit: 3
Lectures and homework assignments covering hair growth and structure, hair properties, chemistry of waving, straightening, relaxing and depilation, hair coloring, hair care treatments such as shampoos, conditioners, and fixatives, hair evaluation and claims support, treatment of damaged hair and toxicology of hair care products.
3
PCEU 8140
Manufacturing Hygiene- Facilities, Utilities and Plant Engineering
Course: PCEU 8140
Credit: 2
The course will introduce the scientific principles and the practical application of designing, building and operating a manufacturing plant for the successful manufacture of personal care products. The focus will be on the equipment, facilities and utility systems of the plant. This includes the various clean design requirements for different types of equipment and buildings and critical utility systems, including the water system and heating, ventilation and air conditioning a well as other essential utility systems.
2
PCEU 8150
Manufacturing Hygiene- Microbiology, Product/Package Design & Quality Assurance
Course: PCEU 8150
Credit: 2
The course will define the technical fundamentals that establish the need for manufacturing hygiene and put the work of the Manufacturing Hygienist into context. The technical elements will establish a basic understanding of microbiology, define quality expectations and relevant methods by which product quality and systems monitoring are conducted, risk assessments that identify critical control points, investigations and remedial actions regarding quality compromises. The course will put the work of the Manufacturing Hygienist into context. The context will cover the goals of business and the social and regulatory environment in which businesses operate. The role of regulators will be explained as they relate to maintaining control of manufacturing hygiene. People skills needed for an effective manufacturing hygienist to play a leading role, construct and support effective systems to maintain control of product quality, will be covered by the lesson plan.
2
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