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Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Experimental Lab I

Experimental Lab I
3
15742
1
Second semester
OB
Main language of instruction: English

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish,

Teaching staff

Introduction

The subject "Experimental Lab I" is designed to provide students with practical and in-depth knowledge about the creation and development of cosmetic products. Through intensive practical sessions, students will learn to formulate a variety of galenic formulations using different raw materials. This course not only fosters technical skills but also promotes innovation in product design.

Pre-course requirements

Having completed the Cosmetic Formulations subject, that provides basic knowledge on the theoretical part of the formulation development of cosmetic products.

Objectives

  • Develop practical skills in the formulation and manufacturing of different types of cosmetic products.

  • Learn to work in a cosmetic laboratory environment, using the necessary tools and equipment for cosmetic manufacturing and product stability.

  • Understand and apply the principles of cosmetic chemistry and the properties of raw materials.

  • Encourage teamwork and collaboration in the laboratory.

  • Evaluate the stability of cosmetic formulations.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

CE1- To acquire basic knowledge of traditional cosmetics involves understanding what ingredients and chemical principles are required to formulate cosmetic products.

CE2- To know about the physiology and structure of the areas in which cosmetic products are applied, as well as understanding the different applications that these products have.

CE3- To have the ability to understand and use methodologies, new technologies and bioengineering tools in the research, development and manufacturing of cosmetic products.

CE4- To acquire the essential skills to perform in the cosmetics manufacturing sector, including knowledge of production processes and quality control in the cosmetics industry.

CE5- To know the regulations and standards in the cosmetics industry, as well as how to evaluate manufacturing systems and processes, and how to perform quality control of them

CE6- To integrate the fundamentals of materials science and technology, nanotechnology and 3D printing for their application in modern cosmetics, in addition to knowing how to apply artificial intelligence tools for the design of new cosmetic products.

CE7- To apply bioengineering methodologies to produce innovative ingredient release systems for use in cosmetics

CE8- To possess basic concepts of the application of microbiology in the formulation and preservation of cosmetic products, as well as the use of genetic engineering applied to the production of innovative ingredients in cosmetics.

CE9-  To promote the spirit of entrepreneurship and integrate the knowledge applied to the organization and management of companies in Bioengineering, considering their legal framework and current regulations, as well as the process necessary to preserve the intellectual property of cosmetic products.

CE10- To carry out a project in the field of specific Bioengineering technologies in the field of Cosmetics of a professional nature in which the skills acquired in the teachings are synthesized and integrated.

CE11- To have the ability to carry out a project using data sources, and the application of methodologies, research techniques and tools specific to Bioengineering, and make a public presentation and defense of the project before a specialized audience in such a way as to demonstrate the acquisition of the skills and knowledge specific to the master's degree.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

RA1- Know the basic principles of traditional cosmetics and apply them in the manufacture of cosmetic products

RA2- Understand and use bioengineering tools, such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence, or the use of materials, for innovation in the research, development and manufacture of cosmetic products.

RA3- Possess knowledge of the regulations and standards of the cosmetics industry and apply them in manufacturing processes and quality controls.

RA4- Advise and participate in the performance of quality, efficacy and safety tests of cosmetic products.

RA5- Think and act critically and responsibly during the research, development and manufacture of cosmetic products, taking into account ethical issues arising from the world of cosmetics.

RA6- Understand and apply the fundamentals of entrepreneurship to develop business plans and manage cosmetic companies that wish to apply the new technologies that Bioengineering can provide

RA7- Be independent in carrying out research and development projects for innovative cosmetic products using new Bioengineering technologies.

RA8- Perform normally in interdisciplinary work teams where he contributes his knowledge and the new Bioengineering technologies in the development of cosmetic products.

Learning outcomes of the subject

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Formulate and develop cosmetic products such as: aqueous gels, O/W and W/O emulsions, etc.

  • Select and use raw materials appropriately according to the needs of the cosmetic product.

  • Evaluate the physical and chemical stability of the formulated products.

  • Work effectively in a collaborative laboratory environment.

Syllabus

  1. Formulation of Oils

  2. Formulation of Balms

  3. Formulation of O/W Emulsions

  4. Formulation of Sunscreen Products

  5. Formulation of Aqueous Gels 

    • Principles of gel formulation

    • Practical session: Formulation different types of gels

  6. Formulation of Cream Gels

    • Understanding emulsions and cream gels

    • Practical session: Creating different sensoriality in cream gels

  7. Shower Gels and Surfactants

    • Surfactants and their roles in cleansing products

    • Practical session: Formulating with surfactants

  8. W/O Emulsions

    • Theory and application of water-in-oil emulsions

    • Practical session: Creating and stabilizing W/O emulsions

  9. Stability Testing and Quality Control

    • Methods for evaluating product stability

    • Practical session: Conducting stability tests and quality control assessment

Teaching and learning activities

In person



  • Practical classes in the laboratory (in groups) where the student will elaborate different types of cosmetic formulas. 
  • Brief theoretical parts are to be expected, in order to have understanding of the practical exercice to be done, how to use the laboratory equipment and how to work in a laboratory environment. 
  • Students are expected to reason outcomes of the practical exercices. 

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



  • Attendance to at least an 80% of the hours of Experimental Lab I is mandatory to pass the subject.
  • The student's behaviour in the laboratory and the development of practical skills will be assessed.
  • The laboratory documentation required by the lecturer must be completed, following the indicated and established guidelines. This documentation must be correctly completed and can be evaluated.

Important Considerations for Exams and Assignments:

  • Plagiarism, copying, or any other action that can be considered cheating will result in a zero for that evaluation component. Doing so in exams will lead to immediate failure of the course.
  • In second-chance exams, the highest grade students can receive is "Excellent," without the possibility of earning honors.
  • No changes will be accepted to the schedule, exam dates, or evaluation system.