Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Academic External Practices
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
The course coordinator and academic tutors will be available for consultation during designated office hours, which will be announced at the beginning of the semester. These sessions are intended to support students in securing internships, discussing progress, resolving issues during the internship, and preparing final reports and presentations.
Introduction
The 12-credit External Academic Internship course is an essential component of the Master in Cosmetic Science and Engineering. It provides students with practical experience in a professional environment, allowing them to apply the theoretical knowledge and technical skills acquired in their academic training. This course, held during the second semester of the academic year, bridges the gap between academia and industry, offering students the opportunity to work in collaboration with leading cosmetic companies, research institutions or regulatory bodies.
Through this internship, students will gain practical knowledge of product development, formulation, quality control, regulatory affairs and other relevant aspects of cosmetic science and engineering. The course fosters professional development, enhances employability and prepares students for a successful career in the cosmetics and personal care industries.
Objectives
The main objectives of the course are:
1. To provide students with practical experience in the field of cosmetic science and engineering.
2. To enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world projects.
3. To enhance students' understanding of the processes and challenges involved in the development and regulation of cosmetic products.
4. To develop students' problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills in a professional environment.
5. To create networks within the cosmetics industry for future career opportunities.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
COMPETENCES
|
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. |
Syllabus
The curriculum of the External Academic Internship is adapted to the individual student and the institution hosting the internship. The curriculum will be described in the Learning Agreement, but may include some of the following tasks:
1. Formulation development: participation in the design, testing and optimisation of cosmetic formulations.
2. Regulatory compliance: Familiarity with documentation, safety assessments and compliance with regulations such as the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC No 1223/2009).
3. Quality control and quality assurance: Participation in testing, stability studies and maintenance of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
4. Research and development: Participation in research projects that may contribute to innovative product solutions.
5. Market trends and consumer perspectives: Analysis of current market trends and how consumer behaviour influences product design and marketing strategies.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
- Supervised practical work: Students will work under the supervision of both an industrial tutor and an academic tutor, completing projects as outlined in their Learning Agreement.
- Follow-up meetings: Regular meetings with academic tutors to monitor the progress of the placement.
- Autonomous learning: Students will be encouraged to engage in independent research related to their placement tasks.
- Final report and presentation: At the end of the internship, students will be required to submit a report detailing their experience, results and conclusions, followed by a presentation to the faculty.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The evaluation of the External Academic Internship course will be based on the following criteria:
- Performance Evaluation (40%): An evaluation by the internship supervisor based on the student's work performance, technical skills, professional conduct and contribution to the projects.
- Final Report (30%): A comprehensive written report detailing the students’ activities, learning outcomes and the relevance of the assignments to their academic training.
- Oral presentation and discussion (20%): A formal presentation of the internship experience and the main learning outcomes to a panel of academic staff.
- Fulfilment of the Learning Agreement (10%): Assessment of the student's fulfilment of the objectives and tasks set out in the Learning Agreement.
To pass the course, students must obtain a minimum grade of 5.0 in each component of the assessment.
Important considerations:
- Students are responsible for securing their own internship placements, with guidance and support from the academic coordinator.
- The internship must take place at an institution that aligns with the academic goals of the program and is approved by the course coordinator.
- Students are expected to complete a minimum of [insert hours] hours of work during the internship period.
- Any changes to the Learning Agreement must be approved by the academic tutor.
- Confidentiality agreements with the host institution must be always respected.