Programme aims

6755 - Advanced Cosmetic Sciences

The degree programme in Advanced Cosmetic Sciences (ACS) aims to train chemists who – without prejudice to the general learning outcomes required of master’s graduates in Chemistry, specifically in environmental and analytical chemistry, inorganic and physical chemistry, organic chemistry, biotechnology and biochemistry – are equipped with multidisciplinary knowledge and skills that allow them to work in the area of cosmetic sciences. In particular:

- in the cosmetics industry, with competence in all sectors: technology-formulations, regulatory, chemical cosmetology and chemical-physical/toxicological/microbiological/functional control;

- in the emerging sectors of knowledge about the international standards governing the production and sale of cosmetics, as well as the use of chemical substances, the assessment of chemical risks, the dangers of using new and old products, and the design of new products that are intrinsically safer over their entire life cycle;

- in research, assessment and control laboratories, structures and bodies, public and private firms, including at managerial level, on the design, production, analysis and certification of cosmetics products.

The second-cycle degree programme in ACS will give students both theoretical and practical knowledge, enabling them to acquire:

- experimental and applied knowledge and skills both in the main subject areas of chemistry and in cross-cutting and interdisciplinary areas, with a view to sustainability;
- mastery of the scientific method of investigation and of laboratory equipment;
- awareness of the social responsibility and impacts of chemistry and its applications on the environment and on lifestyles;
- the ability to use databases and scientific literature to find information in the areas of chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology and environmental impacts;

- the ability to evaluate and select the most suitable ingredients and materials for the formulation of a wide range of cosmetics products;

- the ability to develop safe, stable and effective cosmetics products;

- the ability to formulate and supervise the production processes followed to make cosmetics products;

implement and monitor company GLP/GMP protocols, quality systems;

- the ability to carry out chemical-physical, toxicological, microbiological and functional analyses on raw materials and semi-finished and finished products;

- the ability to prepare, implement and assess stability control protocols for cosmetics products;

- the ability to prepare the PIF (Product Information File) for cosmetics products, and to prepare scientific-informative and general documentation for correct and effective corporate communications about cosmetic products;

- the ability to interact effectively in cooperative, multidisciplinary and team working environments, including in international settings;
- the ability to work autonomously and take responsibility for projects and facilities;
- the ability to anticipate and handle the implications of their work in terms of environmental sustainability, with particular reference to cosmetic products and their life cycle.

The above learning outcomes are achieved by:

1) core learning activities (general chemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and biochemistry) providing a solid scientific background in the field of chemistry;

2) related or supplementary learning activities (in the pharmaceutical, technological, toxicological and microbiological areas) needed to complete appropriately the professional training of graduates, enabling them to acquire familiarity with raw materials and cosmetic formulations, as well as the scientific knowledge needed to assess the related safety aspects and effectiveness;

3) learning activities to acquire knowledge of the legislation governing the various aspects of professional activity (international regulations on the production and sale of cosmetics, on the assessment of risks associated with the use of chemical products, UNI-EN-ISO standards, Good Laboratory Practices, Good Manufacturing Practices).

Teaching methods include lecturing accompanied by practical laboratory work and seminars, as well as, of course, guided and autonomous self-study.
The learning outcomes are mainly assessed through written and oral exams, and possibly through the teacher’s assessment of written reports or oral scientific presentations supported by slides.

All learning activities are delivered in English, in order to give the graduate the ability to use both written and spoken English fluently, including the specialist lexicons, and find employment at the highest levels in cosmetics industries throughout the world.

At the end of the degree programme, before starting work on the dissertation, students are offered a curricular internship with the following objectives: carrying out in-depth bibliographical research into an assigned topic and acquire specific competence in use of the techniques and procedures needed in order to prepare the dissertation.