Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
TFM
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Supervisors will hold weekly or bi-weekly office hours where students can discuss project-related issues. Additional office hours may be arranged during the proposal stage and near submission deadlines. Details of office hours will be communicated at the start of the semester.
Introduction
The final project of the Master in Cosmetic Science and Engineering is a capstone course designed to allow students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their studies. This 9-credit project, which takes place during the second semester, allows students to develop, design, and execute a practical or research project that contributes to the field of cosmetics. The project encourages the integration of scientific, technological, and engineering principles with the goal of fostering innovation and advancing cosmetic sciences.
Objectives
The objectives of the final project include:
- To provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical or research-based context.
- To encourage independent learning and self-management.
- To develop innovative solutions to real problems in cosmetic science and engineering.
- Demonstrate expertise in a specific area of cosmetic product development, formulation, safety or regulatory compliance.
- Strengthen scientific communication skills through written reports and oral presentations
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
COMPETENCES
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CE1 |
To acquire basic knowledge of traditional cosmetics involves understanding what ingredients and chemical principles are required to formulate cosmetic products. |
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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. |
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CE3 |
To have the ability to understand and use methodologies, new technologies and bioengineering tools in the research, development and manufacturing of cosmetic products. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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CE7 |
To apply bioengineering methodologies to produce innovative ingredient release systems for use in cosmetics. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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
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RA1 |
Know the basic principles of traditional cosmetics and apply them in the manufacture of cosmetic products |
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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. |
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RA3 |
Possess knowledge of the regulations and standards of the cosmetics industry and apply them in manufacturing processes and quality controls. |
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RA4 |
Advise and participate in the performance of quality, efficacy and safety tests of cosmetic products. |
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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. |
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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. |
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RA7 |
Be independent in carrying out research and development projects for innovative cosmetic products using new Bioengineering technologies. |
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RA8 |
Perform normally in interdisciplinary work teams where he contributes his knowledge and the new Bioengineering technologies in the development of cosmetic products. |
Syllabus
Although the curriculum is largely self-directed, the key phases of the final project include:
- Proposal development: Identifying a problem or research area and preparing a detailed proposal.
- Research and development: Collecting data, conducting experiments or developing formulations.
- Analysis: Reviewing and interpreting the data or results of the development process.
- Final report: Writing a full project report, including background, methodology, results and conclusions.
- Oral defence: Presentation of the project before an examining board
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The final project is primarily student-led, but includes the following support activities:
- Supervision meetings: Regular meetings with the assigned supervisor to discuss progress, receive feedback and address challenges.
- Workshops and seminars: Optional sessions on research methods, scientific writing and data analysis may be offered.
- Peer review sessions: Opportunities for students to present their work to their peers and receive constructive feedback.
- Independent study: Most of the project involves independent work, including research, experimentation, data collection and writing.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The final project will be assessed based on:
- Project Report (50%): A comprehensive and well-structured report detailing the research or development project, including introduction, methodology, results, and conclusions.
- Oral Presentation (30%): A 15–20-minute oral defense of the project in front of a panel, followed by a question-and-answer session.
- Process Evaluation (20%): The student's engagement, independence, problem-solving, and time management during the project, assessed by the supervisor.
Assessment criteria will focus on originality, scientific rigor, clarity of communication, and the student’s ability to critically reflect on the work.
Important considerations:
- Ethics Approval: Projects involving human subjects or sensitive materials must obtain ethics approval before data collection begins.
- Health and Safety: Students must follow all safety protocols in laboratories and report any incidents immediately.
- Deadlines: A timeline will be provided for key deliverables (proposal, mid-project review, final submission, presentation), and students are expected to adhere strictly to these deadlines.
- Plagiarism: Any form of plagiarism or academic misconduct will result in disciplinary action, including potential failure of the project.