BEAUTY THERAPY

DIPLOMA
SYLLABUS
Natural Sciences
1/14

Copyright © by CIDESCO Upgrade 2016

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopied or otherwise, without written permission from CIDESCO.
CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Diploma Syllabus – Natural Sciences

This syllabus supersedes all previous CIDESCO syllabi, and although there are no
fundamental changes from the previous syllabus, it has been re-worded in some
areas for clarity, and at the end of the sections, sample multiple choice questions
have been added, to provide both the lecturer/teacher/tutor (from now on called
teacher) and student with an idea of the format and type of questions that may be
asked.

Copyright © 2016 by CIDESCO

Waidstrasse 4a
Zürich, Switzerland

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or

transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied or
otherwise, without written permission from CIDESCO.

However, CIDESCO accredited schools are permitted to provide copies of this

syllabus to their tutors and CIDESCO enrolled students, for the sole purpose of
training and preparation for the CIDESCO diploma and examinations, and for NO
OTHER PURPOSE whatsoever.

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INTRODUCTION

Since its foundation in 1946, CIDESCO has proved to be the world’s major international
organization in the field of aesthetics and beauty therapy and the CIDESCO Diploma is
widely recognized as the world’s best known and most respected beauty therapy
qualification.

Education of future CIDESCO Diploma holders is a task of highest priority in our

organization. In order to maintain the high standards which have been set, and to continue to
provide an excellent training which creates consistently competent and well-rounded, skilled
and highly sought-after therapists, we have to have a training program that can guarantee
these outcomes by our diploma holders.

Our training program is presented in the following syllabus. It facilitates the knowledge
required for the successful CIDESCO graduate – in both the theory and practical field. Its
format provides Aims, Objectives and Syllabus content for each section.

It was written by a team of aestheticians, medical practitioners, psychologists, cosmetic

scientists, and teachers with many years experience of the needs of the beauty industry at
an international level, and covers all aspects of the theory and practice required for
graduates to carry out treatments in a safe, professional and competent manner. This
syllabus contains the minimum requirements for understanding and knowledge in order to
pass the CIDESCO examinations, and educators are free to expand the syllabus to
encompass other areas of interest.

Since the CIDESCO Diploma is international, the syllabus includes some treatments that
may not be common in all countries. Nevertheless, the entire syllabus must be taught and
will be examined, regardless of the individual practices in individual countries. If a practical
component is not permitted to be carried out in a specific country, the CIDESCO board must
be made aware of this prior to the examination, and the underlying theory of that practice
must still be known, and may still be included in the multiple choice examination.

The written examination consists of 100 multiple choice questions taken from all parts of the
syllabus. This updated version of the syllabus, completed in 2016, is a comprehensive
document, in which sample multiple choice questions are given at the end of each section, in
order to offer insight into the way the questions may be phrased. This comprehensive
document replaces the previous syllabus, and makes the original bank of Multiple Choice
Questions that was issued to schools when Multiple Choice examinations began, obsolete.

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CONTENTS

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM HOURS ................................................................................... 5

1.0 Natural Sciences – Chemistry and Physics ................................................................. 6
1.1 Aims ........................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Objectives ................................................................................................................... 6
Syllabus Content ................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Terms and Classifications ........................................................................................... 6
1.4 Basic Chemistry .......................................................................................................... 6
1.5 Organic Chemistry ...................................................................................................... 8
1.6 Physics ....................................................................................................................... 9
1.7 Electricity .................................................................................................................... 9
Sample Multiple Choice Questions ...................................................................................... 11

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RECOMMENDED MINIMUM HOURS

Contact Hours of 1200 hours, minimum Training Course prior to Examination. Schools
are advised that the course should comprise of approximately 400 hours of theoretical
training plus 800 hours of practical teaching including practice on models who are not
beauty therapy students.

RECOMMENDED
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS BREAKDOWN OF
SCHEDULE
NATURAL SCIENCES - CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
Elements, Compounds and Mixtures, pH Scale;
Electricity - effects on the body; 30 hours
Knowledge and understanding of applicable currents;
Precautions in use of Electricity
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
90 hours
Cells and Tissues; Metabolism; Body Systems including Myology
SKIN / DERMATOLOGY 30 hours
HYGIENE AND FIRST AID
Public and Personal Hygiene; Microbiology / Bacteriology;
20 hours
Methods of Sanitisation and Sterilisation; Infection / Cross Infection;
Immunity
AESTHETIC TREATMENTS - PRACTICAL AND
THEORY AS SHOWN IN SYLLABUS
Skin Care; Consultation; Treatment procedures; Deep Cleansing;
120 hours
Facial Massage; Mask Therapy
Facial Electrotherapy including Galvanic current; High Frequency;
Electrical muscle stimulation (Faradic type); Microcurrent; 120 hours
Steam and ozone; Brush cleanse; Vacuum Suction
Body analysis; Body Massage; Body Therapy manual techniques 120 hours
Body Electrical Treatments; Heat Treatments;
100 hours
Ultra Violet and Infra Red Light Therapy
Hair Removal 80 hours
Ancillary Services - Eyebrow shaping; Eyelash and brow tinting;
20 hours
Bleaching of face and body hair
Make-up 70 hours
Manicure and Pedicure - Nail Care; Hand and Foot Treatments 80 hours
COSMETIC PRODUCTS - COSMETIC SCIENCE (basic) 20 hours
COSMETIC SURGERY (basic general knowledge) 5 hours
NUTRITION - DIET 10 hours
PROFESSIONAL ETHICS 5 hours
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 5 hours
COMMERCIAL STUDIES - BUSINESS STUDIES - RETAIL 20 hours
Project with Case Histories research and writing 20 hours
CLIENT INTERACTION SESSIONS – Case Histories included 235 hours
TOTAL 1200 hours

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1.0 Natural Sciences – Chemistry and Physics

1.1 Aims

To introduce the students to the principles and processes underlying chemistry and physics
which enable them to comprehend:
a) chemical processes that take place in the body
b) properties of cosmetic products applied during treatments
c) chemical and physical theories underlying electrical treatments

1.2 Objectives
Students will be able to:

a) define basic chemical terms, and explain basic chemical processes which
provide understanding of the structure and interactions of various
substances and materials that make up our environment.
b) explain the structure of matter, in terms of its atomic structure, as well as its
physical and chemical properties.
c) classify substances, in terms of being elements, compounds or mixtures,
and understanding the significance of the differences.
d) understand the basis of chemical reactions, and formation of chemical
compounds.
e) explain how organic chemicals are different to inorganic chemicals in terms
of their structure and that organic chemicals abound in the body, and in the
cosmetic industry.
f) outline the basic principles of physics, in order to appreciate the application
of electrical treatments.
g) define the properties of matter and energy with respect to light,
heat and electricity.
h) exhibit an understanding of the significance, dangers and safety features
involved in application of light, heat and electrical treatments.

Syllabus Content

1.3 Terms and Classifications

1.3.1 Define the terms biology, physics, chemistry, pharmacology, cosmetic chemistry
and cosmetic pharmacology and cosmeceuticals.

1.3.2 Classify chemistry into various classes, including analytical, inorganic, organic
and biochemistry.

1.3.3 Classify substances into living, non-living, biological and non-biological groups.

1.3.4 Explain that substances can be biological, mineral or synthetic.

1.4 Basic Chemistry

1.4.1 Explain the concept of matter, and that matter is composed of atoms.

1.4.2 Compare the physical and chemical properties of matter describing each.

1.4.3 Describe the three phases of matter, and understand that phase changes reflect
changes in energy, temperature and pressure.
1.4.4 Describe the structure of an atom and its component parts including protons,

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neutrons, and electrons.

1.4.5 Explain the concept of atomic number.

1.4.6 Explain the concept of valency as a description of the electron's configuration in

the orbit, and its significance with regard to chemical bonding.

1.4.7 Explain the principles of atoms bonding in order to form compounds.

1.4.8 Describe the periodic table of elements, noting the significance of the families in
terms of the atom's capacity to form compounds.

1.4.9 Define metals and non-metals, noting characteristics of each.

1.4.10 Identify the names and chemical symbols of some elements which occur
commonly in the body, or are likely to be involved in common cosmetic chemicals
to include: H, He, C, O, Na, Cl, Ca, Fe, Cu, N, F, Mg, S, K, Zn.

1.4.11 Explain the concept of macro and trace elements, with respect to the elements
which occur in the body.

1.4.12 Explain the formation of chemical compounds, understanding that a molecule is

the smallest component of a compound.

1.4.13 Recognize that chemical reactions occur, and that they represent synthesis or
breakdown of chemical compounds.

1.4.14 Explain the concept of chemical bonding by either ionic or covalent bonds.

1.4.15 Describe the formation of ions, anions and cations as electrically charged atoms.

1.4.16 Briefly explain the chemical concepts oxidation and reduction.

1.4.17 Explain the concept of a chemical catalyst.

1.4.18 Explain the concept of acids, bases and pH, neutralization and salt formation.

1.4.19 Describe the significance of the pH scale to Beauty Therapy applications.

1.4.20 Write the formula for common compounds - ozone, carbon dioxide, sodium
hydroxide, sodium chloride, water.

1.4.21 Describe water in terms of its physical and chemical characteristics, including soft
and hard water, and the processes required to purify water.

1.4.22 Differentiate between mixtures and compounds.

1.4.23 Explain the concepts of solutions, suspensions, emulsions and colloids, including
the formation of emulsions, and factors influencing stability and deterioration of
emulsions.

1.4.24 Define or explain various basic chemical terms, which aid in the understanding of
the chemical processes encountered, including:
i) absorption
ii) analysis
iii) catalyst
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iv) colloid
v) crystallization
vi) decantation
vii) dispersion
viii) distillation
ix) emulsifier
x) emulsion
xi) enzyme
xii) filtration
xiii) heterogeneous
xiv) homogeneous
xv) hydrophilic
xvi) hydrophobic
xvii) immiscible
xviii) insoluble
xix) lipophilic
xx) lipophobic
xxi) oxidation
xxii) reduction
xxiii) solubility
xxiv) solute
xxv) solvent
xxvi) sublimation
xxvii) surface tension
xxviii) suspension
xxix) synthesis
xxx) valency
xxxi) viscosity

1.5 Organic Chemistry

1.5.1 Define organic chemistry, in terms of the carbon atom.

1.5.2 Explain the terms hydrocarbon, aliphatic and aromatic compounds.

1.5.3 Explain the concept of single and double bonds, and link this to saturated and
unsaturated compounds.

1.5.4 Explain how organic chemicals are named, using their hydrocarbon structure and
functional group: examples, methane, propane, butane.

1.5.5 Classify organic chemicals as alcohols, acids and esters, giving the general
structure of each, and examples of each relevant to beauty therapy.

1.5.6 Explain the difference between hydroxide and hydroxyl.

1.5.7 Describe lipids and soaps, in terms of their structures as esters.

1.5.8 Indicate that biochemical substances such as protein, carbohydrate and fat are
all organic chemicals, and list the basic elements that form these.

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1.6 Physics

1.6.1 Define energy and explain that energy forms are interchangeable.

1.6.2 Explain heat as a form of energy and that temperature is a measure of heat.

1.6.3 Describe the transference of heat as conduction, convection and radiation.

1.6.4 Describe the characteristics of waves, with respect to light, heat and sound
including the terms crest, wavelength, trough, amplitude and frequency.

1.6.5 Describe the electromagnetic spectrum, including visible light, and the invisible
waves relevant to beauty therapy: infrared and ultraviolet.

1.6.6 Discuss the characteristics of the three types of ultraviolet light, and its
significance in terms of skin ageing and skin cancer.
Information should include the use of artificial Ultra-violet light especially in the
form of sun beds and the dangers and risks associated with regular use.
(Students should be informed of the effects associated with premature ageing
and development of skin cancers, safety precautions and contra-indications in
light of current research).

1.6.7 Explain inverse square law as it applies to infra-red light, highlighting its
significance when applying infra red heat treatments.

1.6.8 Briefly describe the concept of LASER light, explaining the meaning of the
acronym LASER, its characteristics, and application in beauty therapy.
Briefly describe the concept of Intense Pulsed Light, explaining the meaning of
the letters IPL, its characteristics, and application in beauty therapy.

1.6.9 Explain how sound waves are different from light waves and briefly describe
sound waves.

1.6.10 Practically demonstrate the application of sound waves in the form of

ultrasound as used in beauty therapy.

1.7 Electricity

1.7.1 Define electricity. Link the concept to electrons and atomic theory.

1.7.2 Define electric current in categories of current: alternating, direct.

1.7.3 Explain the difference between an alternating and a direct current.

1.7.4 Explain the terms conductor, electrode, insulator, whilst providing an

understanding that conductors can be solids, liquids and gases.

1.7.5 Explain the terms potential difference, current flow, resistance and power.

1.7.6 Define Ohm’s law and explain the relevance of its application in beauty therapy.

1.7.7 Name the units of measure employed when using electrical terms - include
ampere, milliampere, Hertz, Ohm, Volt and Watt.

1.7.8 Describe common components or instruments of electrical equipment - capacitor,

rectifier, converter, rheostat, transformer, ammeter and voltmeter.
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1.7.9 Describe the safety devices - fuses and earth leakage. Clearly explaining how
they work, and their significance.

1.7.10 Define and explain the forms of electricity used in electrotherapy including:
i) Faradic-type current (interrupted direct current)
ii) Interferential current
iii) Galvanic current (direct current) including the terms cations, anions,
cathode and anode
iv) High frequency current

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Sample Multiple Choice Questions

(Terms and Classifications, Basic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and Electricity)

1 Matter is everything that:

a) occupies space and has weight
b) is solid
c) has its own form
d) is heavier than air

2 Melting is the change of matter from:

a) a gas to a solid
b) a gas to a liquid
c) a liquid to a solid
d) a solid to a liquid

3 An anion is:
a) A negatively charged atom
b) A positively charged atom
c) A negatively charged electrode
d) A positively charged electrode

4 A characteristic of an acid is:

a) it can conduct an electric current
b) it cannot change the colour of indicator-paper
c) it does not split into ions when dissolved in water
d) it has a pH of greater than 8

5 If the pH of a solution is between 5 and 7, the solution is a:

a) strong acid
b) strong alkali
c) weak acid
d) weak alkali

6 An organic acid contains the chemical-group:

a) OH
b) COH
c) COOH
d) CO2

7 Hertz is a unit of:

a) energy
b) frequency
c) heat
d) voltage

8 I. Every living organism needs some non-biological substances for its existence.
II. All non-biological substances are found as minerals in the earth.
a) I and II are both correct
b) I is correct and II is incorrect
c) I is incorrect and II is correct
d) I and II are both incorrect

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9 Examples of synthetic substances are:

a) paraffins and petroleum
b) paraffins and silicones
c) plastics and petroleum
d) plastics and silicones

10 The alteration of the properties of matter without the formation of any new substance
is called a/an:
a) physical change
b) chemical change
c) chemical mixture
d) oxide mixture

11 I Chemical reactions only take place outside and not inside a living organism.
II The structure of molecules change during chemical reactions.
a) I and II are both correct
b) I is correct and II is incorrect
c) I is incorrect and II is correct
d) I and II are both incorrect

12 If a metal-oxide is dissolved in water it forms:

a) an acid
b) an alkali
c) an ester
d) a salt

13 A characteristic of organic acids is that:

a) they are strong acids
b) they contain the element carbon (C)
c) they are found only in plants
d) they may never be used in cosmetic products

14 A cathode is:
a) a negatively charged atom or group of atoms
b) a positively charged atom or group of atoms
c) a negatively charged electrode
d) a positively charged electrode

15 The unit of frequency is:

a) Watt
b) Volt
c) Ohm
d) Hertz

16 In the visible spectrum the colours in the correct order are:

a) orange, red, yellow and green
b) orange, red, green, and yellow
c) red, orange, yellow and green
d) red, orange, green and yellow

17 The effect of infra-red rays on the skin is to:

a) cool the surface of the skin
b) cool the deeper layers of the skin
c) warm the surface of the skin
d) warm the deeper layers of the skin

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18 Ultra-violet radiation is absorbed:

a) only in the dermis
b) mainly in the epidermis
c) by muscles
d) in the subcutaneous layer

19 Examples of insulators are:

a) body fluids
b) inert gases
c) plastics
d) salt solutions

20 The function of a transformer is to change:

a) the voltage of an alternating current to a different voltage
b) a faradic current into a galvanic current
c) an electric current into chemical energy
d) mechanical energy into an electric current

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