The Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry is one of the seven departments under the Faculty of Science whose main goal is to serve the agricultural, educational, industrial, and medical sectors through services and research. The Department offers six undergraduate programmes and five Masters’ programmes. Two programmes, MPhil and DPhil in Science are by research. In addition, the Department teaches various modules that are tailor-made for medical students as a service to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Active research laboratories in the Department cover areas in Natural Products and Biochemical Pharmacology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Immunology, Infectious and Non-Communicable Diseases, Nutraceuticals, Bioinformatics and Genomics.
PROGRAMME INFORMATION
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Programme |
Information |
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1. HBMB – BSc Honours in Biotechnology and Biochemistry with specialization in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology |
HBMB specializes in the chemical reactions and the molecular basis for the changes occurring in cells of microorganisms, plants and animals. Skills will be acquired in the use of laboratory techniques to study and modify nucleic acids and proteins within these organisms. |
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2. HCBT - BSc Honours in Biotechnology and Biochemistry with specialization in Clinical Biochemistry and Toxicology |
HCBT specializes in the analysis of samples taken from patients' blood, urine or other bodily fluids to help with the diagnosis, management and treatment of diseases. In addition, skills will be acquired to investigate the harmful effects that chemicals, substances, or situations, can have on people, animals, and the environment. |
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3. HGBE - BSc Honours in Biotechnology and Biochemistry with specialization in Genetics and Bioengineering |
HGBE specializes in the study of genes and the science of heredity, that is, how inherited traits pass down through generations. Skills acquired will be combined with other life science disciplines including medicine, animal health, crop science, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and manufacturing to solve biological and biotechnological problems.
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4. HIEM - BSc Honours in Biotechnology and Biochemistry with specialization in Industrial and Environmental Microbiology |
HIEM specializes in developing a comprehensive understanding of the exploitation of microorganisms in industrial and environmental processes such as the removal of contaminants from water and soil. Skills in how biological processes and cellular components are used to create new technologies, industrial processes and biotechnological products will be acquired. |
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5. HIMB - BSc Honours in Biotechnology and Biochemistry with specialization in Immunology and Microbiology |
HIMB specializes in understanding the intimate interaction between microorganisms and the host through symbiotic, commensal and parasitic relationships. The skills acquired in immunology will be used in the design of anti-infectome agents and the development of agents that boost immunity through knowledge of nutritional immunology. |
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6. HPBM - BSc Honours in Biotechnology and Biochemistry with specialization in Plant Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry |
HPBM specializes in plant biochemistry and the analysis of plant metabolites for applications in medicine as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Skills in the process of drug discovery and the creation of new and more effective medicines will be acquired. |
Research activities in Biotechnology and Biochemistry
- Consultancy work in agricultural, educational, industrial, and medical sectors through both services and research
- Validation of heritage-based herbs for the treatment of various ailments such as meningitis and diabetes, cancer, and skin infections
- Formulation of creams using plant-derived bioactive compounds for the treatment of skin infections
- Immunological validation of neglected tropical diseases, identification of disease susceptibility markers and mass drug administration and vaccination
- Development and utility of rapid field tests for infectious diseases like malaria
- Development of transgenic crops with superior traits such as virus-resistant crops
- Isolation of microbial strains for industrial processes such as brewing and bio-fertilisers and the use of biotechnology to scale up the production of natural products so that their output is efficient
Chairperson
Dr Farisai Chidzwondo
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Contact Details
Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry
Building Number B064
University of Zimbabwe
P.O. Box MP167
Mount Pleasant
Harare
ZIMBABWE