Department of
Applied Mathematics

Mr. Ngonidzashe Mangoma
Chairperson

The Department of Applied Biology and Biochemistry started operating in 1991 and is essentially a multidisciplinary biotechnology department. It has a staff complement of 1 Professor, 2 Associate Professors, 2 Senior Lecturers, 10 Lecturers, 3 Research fellows, 4 Teaching assistants, 1 Chief Technician, 9 Technicians, 2 Senior Assistants and 1 Lab Assistant technicians. Currently, 5 degree programmes are being offered; these are a BSc (Hons) Degree in Applied Biology and Biochemistry, BSc (Hons) Degree in Biotechnology, MSc in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, and MPhil and PhD degrees. The MSc programme has been running since 2008. Applied Biology and Biochemistry is a wide field that encompasses, but is not limited to, the following areas in terms of teaching and research: Biotechnology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Plant and Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Fermentation, Food Technology, and Nutrition.

Major areas of current research in the department include antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with a focus on its dynamics in the context of One Health, microbial ecology and biotechnology focusing on the development of microbial products such as biofertilisers and biocontrol agents, and ecotoxicology, focusing on the impact of xenobiotic pollutants on aquatic and terrestrial systems.

Our graduates go on to use the knowledge garnered in the fields of Applied Biology and Biochemistry to provide practical solutions to real problems in various industrial settings. Our Alumni are found in many fields of Applied biology and biochemistry including the brewing, dairy, baking, research institutions, tertiary education, manufacturing industries, and in the medical sector.

Vision
To be a centre of excellence in teaching, research, innovation and community development in the field of Applied Biology and Biochemistry.

Mission
To produce high quality graduates who will be able to use their knowledge towards the provision of knowledge based solutions to scientific and technological problems and to contribute to industrial development in the fields of Applied Biology and Biochemistry.

Achievements of the mission will be guided by the following core values:

Honesty and Integrity
Innovativeness
Excellence and Diligence
Intellectual Freedom
Equity
Social and Environmental Responsibility

The Department of Applied Biology and Biochemistry is essentially a multidisciplinary biotechnology department. It comprises of the following areas in terms of teaching and research: Cell and Molecular Biology, Plant and Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Fermentation, Food Technology and Nutrition. For practical hands-on as well as research activities, we have laboratories which include the microbiology and biochemistry laboratories as well as a biotechnology research laboratory.

These laboratories are equipped with centrifuges, spectrophotometers, water baths, temperature controlled ovens and incubators, microscopes, gel electrophoresis equipment, Gel documentation systems, PCR machines, Soxhlet extractors, water distillers etc. For further analytical work, equipment such as the gas liquid chromatography as well as Isoelectric focusing machines are available. The services and facilities offered by the department ensure a breed of the brightest and best students are produced, that make a difference in both academia and society.

Undergraduate Degree Programmes

The aim of the department is to produce high quality graduates who will be able to use their knowledge towards the practical solution of real problems and to contribute to industrial development in the field of Applied Biology and Biochemistry. The course provides a sound academic and practical foundation for future employment and self-employment in the various fields of applied biology.

Within the four year course is a full 3rd year spent in an industrial attachment in food, pharmaceutical, agricultural industries or medical and veterinary laboratories.

The first two years are organised to also give the student preparation for this attachment. Introducing her/him to engineering and management principles, quality control, computing and statistics as well as chemical and environmental courses within a full introduction to various aspects of biology and biochemistry. In the final year, the students all follow advanced level courses in applied biology and biochemistry. However the final year research project allows them to build on their attachment period to solve industrial problems or to work with a staff member in a specialist area of biology and biochemistry.

Postgraduate Degree Programmes

This program seeks to produce high quality graduates who are conversant in the areas of Biotechnology and microbiology. The program is offered on a block release basis and is meant to cater for individuals that are already employed in various industries and research facilities. The students are introduced to advanced aspects of recombinant DNA technology, microbial genetics, Food microbiology, Industrial, medical and environmental biotechnology as well as entrepreneuship skills to enable them to start businesses in the various fields... read more