Scientific Concepts: NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination (written theory component only) topic guide

Scientific Concepts carries 35% of the NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination (written theory component only) blueprint used in this course, the second-largest of its 4 weighted areas. It spans 9 concepts. The course teaches it in 3 study units: Infection Control & Safety, Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry & Safety.

What Scientific Concepts covers

• Pathogenic bacteria come in three shapes: cocci, bacilli, spirilla. — [S7] CDC Infection Control basics
• Salon tools are DISINFECTED, not sterilized; you must CLEAN before you disinfect. — [S5] EPA Selected EPA-Registered Disinfectants / List N program
• Disinfectants used in salons must be EPA-registered, hospital-grade, and bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal. — [S5] EPA Selected EPA-Registered Disinfectants / List N program
• Single-use items are thrown away after one client; they cannot be disinfected. — [S5] EPA Selected EPA-Registered Disinfectants / List N program
• Bloodborne pathogens spread through blood and body fluids; HBV is the hardiest. — [S6] OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens + [S7] CDC Infection Control basics
• OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard governs exposure to blood in the workplace. — [S6] OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens 29 CFR 1910.1030 + Hazard Communication / SDS 29 CFR 1910.1200
• The skin has two gland types: sudoriferous and sebaceous. — [S4] Milady Standard Cosmetology
• Matter is changed in salon chemistry two ways: physical change vs chemical change. — [S4] Milady Standard Cosmetology
• Acids close/contract the cuticle and harden; alkalis/bases swell/open the cuticle and soften. — [S4] Milady Standard Cosmetology

How Scientific Concepts connects to other areas

• Single-use items are thrown away after one client; they cannot be disinfected. links to Single-use nail items are discarded after one client; metal implements are disinfected. — Nail Care & Services
• Bloodborne pathogens spread through blood and body fluids; HBV is the hardiest. links to Never cut living tissue or service broken/infected skin; cutting it can cause infection. — Nail Care & Services

Official references for Scientific Concepts

• [S7] CDC Infection Control basics
• [S5] EPA EPA-Registered Disinfectants + [S7] CDC Infection Control basics
• [S5] EPA Selected EPA-Registered Disinfectants / List N program
• [S6] OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens + [S7] CDC Infection Control basics
• [S6] OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens 29 CFR 1910.1030 + Hazard Communication / SDS 29 CFR: 1910.1200
• [S4] Milady Standard Cosmetology
• [S9] OSHA Health Hazards in Nail Salons: Chemical Hazards + Formaldehyde/HazCom

In the app this area comes with 28 memory cards and 36 module-quiz questions in the full course.