-- Harare Polytechnic | Applied Sciences

Applied Sciences

Practical application of scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems. Training technicians and technologists in chemical, biological, and physical sciences.

Chemical Engineering

The Chemical Engineering programme trains students in plant process instrumentation, safety management, quality control, and process design. Graduates are equipped for careers in chemical processing industries, manufacturing, and environmental management.

Entry Requirements
  • National Certificate: 5 O' Levels passed with grade 'C' or better including English Language, Mathematics, and a relevant Science subject.
  • National Diploma: National Certificate in Chemical Engineering + 5 O' Levels.
  • Higher National Diploma: National Diploma in Chemical Engineering + 5 O' Levels.
  • The single module part qualification pathway is exempted from 5 O' levels requirement.
Programme Structure

National Certificate (Year 1)

ModuleCodeNotional Hours
SEMESTER 1
1. Safety, Health & Environmental Management404/25/M03200
2. Equipment Maintenance and Inspection404/25/M05200
3. Plant Process Instrumentation & Control I404/25/M01/1200
4. National and Strategic Studies401/25/M0150
5. Communication and Computer Applications360/25/M08160
Skills Proficiency404/25/M04-
SEMESTER 2
6. Plant Process Instrumentation & Control II404/25/M01/2200
7. Quality Controlling404/25/M06200
8. Entrepreneurship Skills Development402/25/M0150
Skills Proficiency404/25/M041 year

National Diploma (Years 2-3)

ModuleCodeNotional Hours
SEMESTER 1
1. Safety, Health & Environmental Management I604/23/M01180
2. Basic Plant/Process Design I604/23/M03200
3. Process Operation I604/23/M05200
4. Process Control & Instrumentation I604/22/M07200
5. National and Strategic Studies401/22/M0180
Skills Proficiency604/22/M12-
SEMESTER 2
6. Process Control & Instrumentation II604/22/M08200
7. Basic Plant Maintenance604/22/M09200
8. Safety, Health & Environmental Management II604/23/M02180
9. Basic Plant/Process Design II604/23/M04200
10. Process Operation II604/23/M06200
11. Quality Assurance & Quality Control501/23/M07200
12. Entrepreneurship Skills Development402/22/M0180
13. Skills Proficiency604/22/M12-
YEAR 2
14. Project604/23/M10-
15. On the Job Education and Training (OJET)604/23/M111 year
TOTAL2120

Higher National Diploma (Year 4)

ModuleCodeNotional Hours
SEMESTER 1
1. Chemical Engineering Process Plant Designing I731/24/M01250
2. Chemical Engineering Production Process Controlling731/24/M02250
3. Safety, Health, Environment & Quality731/24/M03200
4. Chemical Engineering Product Development731/24/M04200
Skills Proficiency731/24/M08-
SEMESTER 2
5. Quality Assurance & Quality Control for Chemical Engineers731/24/M05200
6. Chemical Engineering Process Plant Designing II731/24/M06250
7. Project731/24/M07-
Skills Proficiency731/24/M08-
TOTAL1350
Career Opportunities
  • Process Technician
  • Quality Control Officer
  • Chemical Plant Operator
  • Process Engineer
  • Environmental Safety Officer
  • Production Supervisor
  • Research & Development Technologist
  • Biomedical Engineering

    Biomedical Engineering combines engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software used in healthcare.

    Entry Requirements
    • National Certificate: 5 O' Levels with grade 'B' or better in Mathematics and a relevant Science subject, plus English Language and any other two subjects at grade C or better.
    • National Diploma: National Certificate in Biomedical Engineering + 5 O' Levels.
    • The single module part qualification pathway is exempted from 5 O' levels requirement.
    Programme Structure

    National Certificate (Year 1)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    SEMESTER 1
    1. Safety, Health Environment & Quality Management450/25/M0180
    2. Communication & Computer Applications (with C programming)450/25/M02150
    3. Electrical & Electronic Principles450/25/M05150
    4. Human Anatomy and Physiology450/25/M04150
    5. National Studies401/24/M0180
    6. Engineering Mathematics450/25/M07100
    Workshop Practice (Skills Proficiency)450/25/M13-
    SEMESTER 2
    7. CAD, Simulation & Simple Modelling450/25/M03200
    8. Medical Instrumentation and Control450/25/M14150
    9. Electrical Engineering Technologies450/25/M15100
    10. Biomaterials450/25/M16150
    11. Entrepreneurial Skills Development402/25/M0180
    12. Workshop Practice (Skills Proficiency)450/25/M13-
    YEAR 2
    13. Project450/25/M11190
    14. On the Job Education and Training (OJET)450/25/M121 year
    TOTAL1590

    National Diploma (Years 2-3)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    YEAR 1 - SEMESTER 1
    1. Biomedical Engineering Mathematics654/23/M01180
    2. Biomedical Engineering Embedded Systems 1654/23/M02180
    3. Medical Physics654/23/M03180
    4. Biomedical Engineering Electronics654/23/M04180
    5. Biomedical Engineering Electrical Circuits654/23/M05180
    6. National Studies401/22/M0180
    Skills Proficiency654/23/M16-
    SEMESTER 2
    7. Research Methods654/23/M06150
    8. Biomedical Engineering Embedded Systems 2654/23/M07180
    9. Radiology Equipment654/23/M08120
    10. Monitoring and Life Support Equipment654/23/M09120
    11. Biomedical Laboratory Equipment654/23/M10120
    12. Entrepreneurial Skills Development402/22/M0180
    Skills Proficiency654/23/M16-
    YEAR 2 - SEMESTER 3
    13. Assistive Physiotherapy Technology654/23/M11120
    14. Diagnostic Medical Equipment654/23/M12120
    15. Surgical and Therapeutic Equipment654/23/M13120
    16. Health Care Administration & Quality Assurance654/23/M14120
    17. Project654/23/M156 months
    TOTAL2230
    Career Opportunities
  • Biomedical Equipment Technician
  • Clinical Engineer
  • Medical Device Sales
  • Hospital Equipment Manager
  • Research & Development
  • Radiology Equipment Specialist
  • Laboratory Technology

    Laboratory Technology trains students in chemical and biological sample processing, equipment maintenance, stock management, and laboratory safety procedures.

    Entry Requirements
    • National Certificate: 5 O' Levels with grade 'C' or better including English Language, Mathematics, and a relevant Science subject.
    • The single module part qualification pathway is exempted from 5 O' levels requirement.
    Programme Structure

    National Certificate (Year 1)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    SEMESTER 1
    1. Safety, Health & Environmental Management360/25/M03200
    2. Chemical Sample Processing 1360/25/M10200
    3. Laboratory Communication & Computer Applications360/25/M08160
    4. Laboratory Equipment Maintenance 1360/25/M04/1200
    5. National and Strategic Studies401/25/M0150
    Skills Proficiency Testing360/25/M09-
    SEMESTER 2
    6. Laboratory Stock Management360/25/M05100
    7. Biological Sample Processing360/25/M11200
    8. Laboratory Equipment Maintenance 2360/25/M04/2200
    9. Chemical Sample Processing 2360/25/M12200
    10. Entrepreneurial Skills & Development402/25/M0250
    Skills Proficiency Testing360/25/M09-
    TOTAL1560
    Career Opportunities
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Research Assistant
  • Lab Supervisor
  • Environmental Lab Analyst
  • Metallurgical Assaying

    Metallurgical Assaying trains students in sample analysis, metallurgical processes, mineral processing, and quality control for the mining and mineral processing industries.

    Entry Requirements
    • National Certificate: 5 O' Levels with grade 'C' or better including English Language, Mathematics, and a relevant Science subject.
    • National Diploma: National Certificate in Metallurgical Assaying + 5 O' Levels.
    • Higher National Diploma: National Diploma in Metallurgical Assaying + 5 O' Levels.
    Programme Structure

    National Certificate (Year 1)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    SEMESTER 1
    1. Safety, Health, Environment & Quality Management343/25/M01200
    2. Sample Analysis 1343/25/M02200
    3. Equipment Operation343/25/M03250
    4. Communication and Computer Applications360/24/M08160
    5. National Studies401/22/M0150
    Skills Proficiency343/25/M06-
    SEMESTER 2
    6. Metallurgical Processes343/25/M04240
    7. Sample Analysis 2343/25/M05200
    8. Entrepreneurial Skills Development402/22/M0150
    Skills Proficiency343/25/M06-
    TOTAL1350

    National Diploma (Years 2-3)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    YEAR 1 - SEMESTER 1
    1. Laboratory Safety, Health & Environment Management535/23/M01200
    2. Metallurgical Laboratory Analysis535/23/M02200
    3. Hydrometallurgy535/23/M03200
    4. Pyrometallurgy535/22/M04200
    5. Mineral Processing535/22/M05200
    6. National Studies401/22/M0180
    Skills Proficiency535/23/M09-
    SEMESTER 2
    7. Industrial Management535/22/M06180
    8. Research and Development501/23/M06200
    9. Quality Assurance & Quality Control501/23/M07200
    10. Entrepreneurial Skills Development402/22/M0180
    Skills Proficiency535/23/M09-
    YEAR 2
    11. Project535/23/M07-
    12. On-the-Job Education and Training535/23/M081 year
    TOTAL1740

    Higher National Diploma (Year 4)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    SEMESTER 1
    1. Mineral Processing Management733/24/M01200
    2. Hydrometallurgical Process Control733/24/M02200
    3. Pyrometallurgical Process Control733/24/M03200
    4. Foundry Metallurgy733/24/M04200
    Skills Proficiency733/24/M08-
    SEMESTER 2
    5. Safety, Health & Environmental Management733/24/M05200
    6. Analytical Instruments Control733/24/M06200
    7. Project733/24/M07-
    Skills Proficiency733/24/M08-
    TOTAL1200
    Career Opportunities
  • Metallurgical Assayer
  • Lab Supervisor
  • Quality Control Manager
  • Mineral Processing Technician
  • Research Scientist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Polymer Technology

    Polymer Technology focuses on the development, manufacturing, and testing of polymeric materials including plastics, rubber, and composite materials.

    Entry Requirements
    • National Certificate: 5 O' Levels with grade 'C' or better including English Language, Mathematics, and a relevant Science subject.
    • National Diploma: National Certificate in Polymer Technology + 5 O' Levels.
    Programme Structure

    National Certificate (Year 1)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    SEMESTER 1
    1. Tool Designing I356/25/M02/1200
    2. Raw Material Preparation356/25/M05200
    3. Safety, Health & Environmental Management360/25/M03200
    4. Communication and Computer Application360/25/M08160
    5. National Studies401/25/M0150
    Skills Proficiency Test356/25/M06-
    SEMESTER 2
    6. Machine Setting and Operation356/25/M03200
    7. Polymer Production356/25/M01200
    8. Quality Control356/22/M04200
    9. Tool Design 2356/22/M02/2200
    10. Entrepreneurial Skills Development402/22/M0150
    Skills Proficiency Test356/22/M061 year
    TOTAL1660

    National Diploma (Years 2-3)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    YEAR 1 - SEMESTER 1
    1. Tool Designing and Maintenance532/23/M01200
    2. Machine Design and Maintenance532/23/M02200
    3. Product Designing532/23/M03200
    4. Product Development532/23/M04200
    5. Production Planning and Control532/22/M05200
    6. National Studies401/22/M0180
    Skills Proficiency Test532/23/M10-
    SEMESTER 2
    7. Quality Assurance and Systems Development532/22/M06200
    8. General Management532/22/M07200
    9. Material Logistics and Controlling532/23/M08200
    10. Research and Development501/23/M06200
    11. Skills Proficiency Test532/22/M11-
    12. Entrepreneurial Skills and Development402/22/M0180
    YEAR 2
    13. Project532/23/M09-
    14. On-the-Job Education and Training532/23/M101 year
    TOTAL1960
    Career Opportunities
  • Polymer Technician
  • Quality Control Officer
  • Process Engineer
  • Materials Scientist
  • Product Development Specialist
  • Regulatory Compliance Officer
  • Pharmaceutical Technology

    Pharmaceutical Technology trains students in pharmacy practice, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and drug formulation for careers in pharmaceutical industries and healthcare settings.

    Entry Requirements
    • National Diploma: 5 O' Levels with grade 'C' or better including English Language, Mathematics, and a relevant Science subject.
    • The single module part qualification pathway is exempted from 5 O' levels requirement.
    Programme Structure

    National Diploma (Years 1-3)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    YEAR 1 - SEMESTER 1
    1. Physical and Inorganic Chemistry606/25/M14150
    2. Human Anatomy and Physiology606/25/M01200
    3. Pharmaceutics 1606/25/M04/1150
    4. Communications & Computer Applications in Pharmacy606/25/M15120
    5. National Studies401/24/M0150
    Skills Proficiency606/25/M13-
    YEAR 1 - SEMESTER 2
    6. Analytical Chemistry606/25/M16150
    7. Pharmaceutical Calculations606/25/M17100
    8. Pharmacology 1606/25/M22/1140
    9. Safety, Health, Environment & Quality Maintenance606/25/M1880
    10. Entrepreneurship Skills and Development402/25/M0150
    Skills Proficiency606/25/M13-
    YEAR 2 - SEMESTER 1
    11. Pharmacology 2606/25/M22/2120
    12. Infectious Diseases Management606/25/M10180
    13. Organic Chemistry606/25/M19130
    14. Supply Chain Management606/25/M07120
    15. Pharmaceutics 2606/25/M04/2150
    16. Pharmacy Regulations606/25/M09100
    Skills Proficiency606/25/M13-
    YEAR 2 - SEMESTER 2
    17. Dispensing Practice606/25/M20130
    18. Natural Medicines Formulation606/25/M03120
    19. Pharmacy Practice606/25/M21140
    20. Research Methods and Statistics503/23/M09150
    21. Instrumental Analysis503/23/M06150
    Skills Proficiency606/25/M13-
    YEAR 3
    22. Project606/25/M116 months
    23. On-the-job Education and Training606/23/M121 year
    TOTAL2680
    Career Opportunities
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Research Assistant
  • Hospital Pharmacy Assistant
  • Food Science

    Food Science trains students in food processing, quality assurance, food microbiology, and food technology for careers in the food and beverage industry.

    Entry Requirements
    • National Certificate: 5 O' Levels with grade 'C' or better including English Language, Mathematics, and a relevant Science subject.
    • National Diploma: National Certificate in Food Science + 5 O' Levels.
    • Higher National Diploma: National Diploma in Food Science + 5 O' Levels.
    Programme Structure

    National Certificate (Year 1)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    SEMESTER 1
    1. Safety, Health, Environment & Quality Management (SHEQ)335/24/M01160
    2. Food Processing335/24/M02200
    3. Communication and Computer Applications335/24/M03200
    4. Chemical Analysis335/24/M06150
    5. National and Strategic Studies401/22/M0180
    Skills Proficiency335/22/M08-
    SEMESTER 2
    6. Food Quality Assurance335/24/M04200
    7. Good Manufacturing Practice335/24/M05160
    8. Food Engineering 1335/22/M07200
    9. Entrepreneurial Skills and Development40222/MS0280
    Skills Proficiency335/22/M08-
    TOTAL1270

    National Diploma (Year 2)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    1. Food Chemistry and Biochemistry544/15/S01140
    2. General Chemistry544/15/S02140
    3. Human Nutrition544/15/S03100
    4. Research Methods606/15/S1780
    5. Mathematics and Statistics501/15/S08140
    6. Food Engineering544/15/S06140
    7. Occupational Health and Safety544/15/S0580
    8. Food Product Development & Quality Assurance544/15/S14140
    9. Food Microbiology544/15/S08120
    10. Industrial Management544/15/S1580
    11. Food Hygiene and Safety544/15/S1080
    12. Food Technology544/15/S11120
    13. Project544/15/S126 months
    14. National Studies401/13/S0180
    15. Entrepreneurial Skills Development402/13/S0180
    16. On-the-Job Education and Training544/13/S131 year
    Skills ProficiencyTBA-
    TOTAL1520

    Higher National Diploma (Year 3)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    SEMESTER 1
    1. Food Biotechnology732/24/M01200
    2. Food Analysis732/24/M02200
    3. Sensory Evaluation732/24/M03200
    4. Food Production Management732/24/M04160
    5. NAS401/23/S0180
    Skills Proficiency732/24/M07-
    SEMESTER 2
    6. Food Quality Management Systems732/24/S05200
    7. Project732/24/S066 months
    8. Skills Proficiency732/24/S07-
    9. Entrepreneurial Skills Development402/23/S0180
    TOTAL1120
    Career Opportunities
  • Food Technologist
  • Quality Assurance Officer
  • Food Microbiologist
  • Production Supervisor
  • Food Inspector
  • Research & Development Specialist
  • Horticulture

    Horticulture trains students in plant cultivation, crop production, landscaping, nursery management, and post-harvest technology.

    Entry Requirements
    • National Certificate: 5 O' Levels with grade 'C' or better including English Language, Mathematics, and a relevant Science subject.
    • National Diploma: National Certificate in Horticulture + 5 O' Levels.
    Programme Structure

    National Certificate (Year 1)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    SEMESTER 1
    1. Horticultural Crop Propagation331/25/M0180
    2. Vegetable Production331/25/M02200
    3. Fruit and Plantation331/25/M03200
    4. Safety, Health, Environment & Quality Management331/25/M0980
    5. Communication and Computer Application335/24/M03200
    6. National Studies401/24/M0150
    SEMESTER 2
    7. Amenity Horticulture331/25/M04150
    8. Crop Protection331/25/M05190
    9. Post-Harvest Technology331/25/M06120
    10. Horticultural Technology331/25/M0880
    11. Entrepreneurial Skills Development402/25/M0150
    Skill Proficiency331/25/M07-
    TOTAL1400

    National Diploma (Years 2-3)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    SEMESTER 1
    1. Plant Production514/23/M01130
    2. Soil and Water Management514/23/M02130
    3. Horticultural Enterprise Management514/23/M03160
    4. Plant Protection514/23/M04160
    5. Genetics and Plant Breeding 1514/23/M05160
    6. Floriculture514/23/M06140
    7. National Studies401/22/M0180
    Skills Proficiency514/23/M12-
    SEMESTER 2
    8. Ecology and Agro-climatology514/23/M07140
    9. Landscape514/23/M08120
    10. Harvest and Post-Harvest Technology514/23/M09120
    11. Horticultural Quality Control514/22/M10120
    12. Genetics and Plant Breeding 2514/22/M11150
    13. Skills Proficiency514/22/M12-
    14. Research Methods and Statistics503/23/M09180
    15. ESD 402/22/M01 80
    YEAR 2
    16. Project 514/22/M14 6 Months
    17. On-the-Job Education and Training 514/22/M15 1 year
    TOTAL 1870
    Career Opportunities
  • Horticultural Technician
  • Landscape Designer
  • Nursery Manager
  • Crop Production Specialist
  • Greenhouse Manager
  • Agricultural Consultant
  • Applied Biotechnology

    Applied Biotechnology harnesses biological systems and living organisms to develop products and technologies for medicine, agriculture, and industry.

    Entry Requirements
    • National Diploma: National Certificate in Laboratory Technology + 5 O' Levels with grade 'C' or better including English Language, Mathematics, and a relevant Science subject.
    • Higher National Diploma: National Diploma in Applied Biological Technology + 5 O' Levels.
    • The single module part qualification pathway is exempted from 5 O' levels requirement.
    Programme Structure

    National Diploma (Years 1-2)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    YEAR 1 - SEMESTER 1
    1. Biochemical Analysis503/23/M01200
    2. Safety, Health & Environmental Management503/23/M02200
    3. Microscopy and Microbial Cultivation503/23/M03200
    4. Genetic Engineering503/23/M04180
    5. Quality Assurance503/23/M05180
    6. National Studies401/22/M0180
    Skills Proficiency503/23/M12-
    SEMESTER 2
    7. Instrumental Analysis503/23/M06200
    8. Plant Biotechnology503/23/M07170
    9. Industrial Management503/23/M08170
    10. Research Methods and Statistics503/23/M09150
    Skills Proficiency503/23/M12-
    11. Entrepreneurial Skills Development402/22/M0180
    YEAR 2
    12. Project503/23/M106 months
    13. On-the-Job Education and Training503/23/M111 year
    TOTAL1810

    Higher National Diploma (Year 3)

    ModuleCodeNotional Hours
    SEMESTER 1
    1. Instrumental Analysis729/24/M01200
    2. Industrial Microbiology729/24/M02200
    3. Biotechnology729/24/M03200
    4. Food Processing729/24/M04200
    SEMESTER 2
    5. Laboratory Information Management Systems729/24/M05200
    6. Quality Assurance729/24/M06150
    7. Skills Proficiency729/24/M072 semesters
    8. Project729/24/M08400
    TOTAL1550
    Career Opportunities
  • Biotechnologist
  • Food Biotechnologist
  • Genetic Engineer
  • Pharmaceutical Biotechnologist
  • Environmental Biotechnologist
  • Microbiologist
  • Head of Division

    Bridgette Vimbai Musamirampamwe

    BEng Industrial Engineering MEng Manufacturing Engineering Senior Graduate Member ZIE ScieTech Waste Management Club Chair

    University of Matanzas (Cuba), NUST (Zimbabwe). ATUPA Associate Editor with 5 peer-reviewed publications. Dedicated to advancing applied sciences through innovation, research, and industry collaboration.