Applied Sciences

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

Bachelor of Technology Honours Degree in Chemical Technology

Introduced on 1st October 2004, this is a TVETISED industrial‑based programme designed to produce professionals who can solve constraints and challenges of the chemical industry for economic growth.

Programme Objectives
  • Ensure Harare Polytechnic maintains its standing as a Centre of excellence in teaching, training and research.
  • Adopt Cutting Edge Technologies in the curriculum, e.g. Nanotechnology.
  • Collaborate with industry and research institutes for societal benefit.
  • Produce innovative professionals capable of creating employment opportunities.
Degree Structure

Duration

2 years (4 semesters) – full time, industrial based.

Components

1 year theory + 1 year in industry doing a research project.

Career Prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in chemical processing, research and development, quality control, environmental management, and related industries.

Science & Technology Division

The Applied Sciences Division trains Technicians and Technologists in various disciplines of science, offering courses from National Certificate to Higher National Diploma on full‑time and part‑time bases. It comprises two departments: Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences.

Head of Division

Bridgette Vimbai Musamirapamwe

BEng Industrial Engineering (Univ. of Matanzas, Cuba), MEng Manufacturing Engineering and Operations Management (NUST, Zimbabwe). Senior Graduate Member ZIE, ATUPA Associate Editor, 5 publications. Chairs ScieTech Waste Management Club.

Physical Sciences

Focus on non‑living matter, energy, and fundamental laws of the universe.

Chemical Engineering

NC (1yr), ND (2yrs), HND (1.5yrs). Assist in design, development, and operation of chemical processes.

Career prospectsProcess Technician, Quality Control, Maintenance, Operations Supervisor, Process Engineer, R&D, Environmental Specialist, Safety Officer, Plant Manager, Consultant.

Laboratory Technology

NC (1yr). Conduct tests, prepare equipment, maintain safety.

Career prospectsSenior Lab Technician, Lab Supervisor, Quality Control, Research Assistant, Lab Manager, Science Educator, Sales Representative, Regulatory Compliance.

Applied Chemical Technology

ND (2yrs), HND (1.5yrs). Practical chemistry skills, process operations, quality control.

Career prospectsSenior Chemicals Technologist, R&D Technologist, Quality Control, Process Engineer, Environmental Specialist, Regulatory Compliance, Sales, Lab Manager.

Polymer Technology

NC (1yr), ND (2yrs), HND (1.5yrs). Develop, manufacture, test polymeric materials.

Career prospectsSenior Polymer Technician, R&D, Quality Control, Process Engineer, Materials Scientist, Product Development, Regulatory Compliance, Sales.

Metallurgical Assaying

NC (1yr), ND (2yrs), HND (1.5yrs). Analyse ores, metals, determine composition and quality.

Career prospectsSenior Assaying Technician, Lab Supervisor, Metallurgist, Quality Control Manager, Research Scientist, Environmental Consultant.
Biological Sciences

Focus on living organisms, their structure, function, growth, and evolution.

Food Science

NC (1yr), ND (2yrs), HND (1yr). Food processing, preservation, quality control.

Career prospectsLab Technician, Quality Controller, Food Inspector, Food Microbiologist, Food Chemist, Research Assistant, Teacher, Quality Control Manager.

Horticulture

NC (1yr), ND (2yrs), HND (1yr). Plant cultivation, landscaping, nursery management.

Career prospectsLandscape Designer, Nursery Manager, Horticultural Consultant, Greenhouse Manager, Urban Horticulturist, Research Scientist, Floral Designer.

Applied Biotechnology

ND (2yrs), HND (1yr). Harness biological systems for products and technologies.

Career prospectsFood Biotechnologist, Genetic Engineer, Agricultural Biotechnologist, Pharmaceutical Biotechnologist, Lab Technician, Microbiologist, Biology Lecturer, Environmental Biotechnologist.

Pharmaceutical Technology

NC (1yr), ND (2yrs). Assist pharmacists, pharmacy law, medication preparation, drug classifications, patient care, pharmacy software.

Proficiency areasPharmacy law and ethics, medication preparation, drug classifications, patient care, pharmacy software.
Additional Notes

At National Diploma and Higher National Diploma levels, students in Laboratory Technology may choose either Applied Chemical Technology or Applied Biotechnology as a specialization.