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Dr. Thembekile Ncube: 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 2 Associate Professors, 2 Senior Lecturers, 8 Lecturers, 4 Research fellows, 4 Teaching assistants, 1 Senior technician and 5 technicians. Currently 4 degree programmes are being offered, these are a BSc (Hons) Degree in Applied Biology and Biochemistry, 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 which 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.

Our graduates go on to use the knowledge garnered in the field of Applied Biology and Biochemistry towards providing practical solutions to real problems in various industrial settings. Our Alumni is 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

Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Biology and Biochemistry
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...read more

Postgraduate Degree Programmes

Master of Science in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
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

Departmental Staff

Mr. Joshua Mbanga
Mr. Joshua MbangaChairperson
Prof. Andrew Siwela
Prof. Andrew SiwelaAssociate Professor
Dr. Edward Zumbika
Dr. Edward Zumbikasenior lecturer
Dr. Hilda Nyati
Dr. Hilda NyatiSenior Lecturer
Dr. Norah Basopo
Dr. Norah BasopoLecturer
Dr. Thembekile Ncube
Dr. Thembekile NcubeLecturer
Mr. Zephaniah Dhlamini
Mr. Zephaniah DhlaminiSenior Lecturer
Mr. Thulani Sibanda
Mr. Thulani SibandaLecturer
Mr. Knowledge Mushonga
Mr. Knowledge MushongaLecturer
Mrs. Nancy Nleya
Mrs. Nancy NleyaLecturer
Mr. Ngonidzashe Mangoma
Mr. Ngonidzashe MangomaLecturer
Mr. Aleck Maunganidze
Mr. Aleck MaunganidzeChief Technician
Mrs. Madeline Sibula
Mrs. Madeline SibulaResearch Fellow
Ms. Anita Dube
Ms. Anita DubeResearch Fellow
Ms. Sanele Mnkandla
Ms. Sanele MnkandlaResearch Fellow
Mr. Donald Ndebele
Mr. Donald Ndebele Laboratory Technician/a>
Mrs. Makhosazana Nyathi
Mrs. Makhosazana NyathiSenior Technician
Ms. Yvonne Nyararai
Ms. Yvonne NyararaiTechnician
Mr. Charles Chimhamhiwa
Mr. Charles ChimhamhiwaTechnician
Ms. Eneresi Manomano
Ms. Eneresi ManomanoSenior Technical Assistant
Ms. Monalisa Khumalo
Ms. Monalisa KhumaloTechnical Assistant
Ms. Nollie Shumba
Ms. Nollie ShumbaLaboratory Assistant
Ms. Candy Sibanda
Ms. Candy SibandaLaboratory Assistant
Mrs. Colly Musvipwa
Mrs. Colly MusvipwaSenior Secretary
+263 (29) 2282842 Ext. 2226 / 2132

+263 (29) 2282842 Ext. 2226 / 2132

appliedbio@nust.ac.zw

appliedbio@nust.ac.zw

National University of Science & Technology

National University of Science & Technology

Department of Applied Biology and Biochemistry
P. O. Box AC939
Ascot
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe