Department of Biotechnology

Today’s new knowledge driven economy requires people with subject area knowledge, technical expertise and competent skills to formulate cutting edge research and information into commercialisable value-added goods and services. With its emphasis in innovation and entrepreneurship, the Biotechnology programmes offered at the Harare Institute of Technology as Bachelor of Technology (Honours), Master of Technology and Doctor of Technology degrees, provide a new and unique pattern of graduate training and is the first one of its kind in Zimbabwe. At undergraduate level, students are exposed to all the various multi-disciplinary facets of Biotechnology. The programme focuses on application–oriented integration of biological disciplines and process engineering. Cells, enzymes or tissues are used for analytical or production aims. Integration of genetics, bio-chemistry, microbiology, cell and molecular biology as well as process technology (including process engineering and design, process control, physical and molecular transfer processes) yields a powerful concept for the development of sustainable bio-based production processes. At Part IV level, students have the opportunity to pursue a project in a given sub-discipline of their choice.

The thrust of the Masters program is an integration of Agricultural and Industrial Biotechnology, with a strong techno-entrepreneurial background, which makes the HIT Masters program unique in Zimbabwe and across the globe. The Department envisions making in-roads into medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology as part of the Masters program. The Masters program is intended to give students an application and skills-oriented education in Agricultural and Industrial Biotechnology, key competencies that are commensurate with world-wide needs for national economic advancement. Fundamental and applied biotechnological concepts that include, but are not limited to cell and molecular biology, genetics, recombinant DNA technology, biomedical engineering, plant tissue culture, microbiology, crop improvement, bioinformatics, environmental remediation and advanced fermentation practice will equip students with appropriate technical and entrepreneurial skills that can also be used in other non-biotechnology disciplines. Graduates of the programme will have career paths that include research scientists, technologists, engineers, pathologist, or biosafety officers.

The Doctor of Technology program will represent an advanced study in an appropriate biotechnology sub-discipline approved by the Harare Institute of Technology.  Collectively, the biotechnology programmes prepare students for progressive careers in the critically important and dynamic biotechnology industry and equips them with the knowledge and skills relevant for successful commercialisation of appropriate biotechnological products.

The Biotechnology Department is in the process of forging relations with other departments in other Universities as well as strategic partners in industry. The Department currently offers short-term training workshops and consultancy for mushroom production, the use of biofertilisers and biopesticides, industrial production of food and industrial biochemicals, environmental biotechnology and aspects of renewable energy generation.

The Biotechnology Department is in the process of forging relations with other departments in other Universities as well as strategic partners in industry. The Department currently offers short-term training workshops and consultancy for mushroom production, the use of biofertilisers and biopesticides, industrial production of food and industrial biochemicals, environmental biotechnology and aspects of renewable energy generation.

J. Kutyauripo, W. Parawira, S. Tinofa, I. Kudita and C. Ndengu. Investigation of shelf-life extension of sorghum beer (Chibuku) by removing the second conversion of malt. International Journal of Food Microbiology, Vol 129, Issue 3, 28 February 2009, pp271-276

Budowle B. Nhari T. Moretti T.R. Kanoyangwa S.B.K.  Masuka E. Defenbaugh D.A.  Smerick J.B. (1997). Zimbabwe black population data on six short tandem repeat loci-CSF1PO, TPOX, THO1, D3S1358, VWA and FGA. Forensic Science International. 90 (3) 215-221.

Wolfarth R, Nhari LT, Budowle B, Kanoyangwa SB, Masuka E.(2000);. Polymarker, HLA-DQA1 and D1S80 allele data in a Zimbabwean Black sample population. Int J Legal Med. 113(5):300-1

Chidziya E, Dhlamini Z.D. Chidzondo F. Sithole-Niang I. (2011) Adoption and Development of DNA Fingerprinting methods for cattle identification in Zimbabwe. Journal of Applied and Agricultural Sciences (JASSA)

Chidziya E., Mutangadura D., Jere J. and Siziba L. (2013). A comparative evaluation of locally available substrates for rearing and studying biology of sciarid fly, Lycoriella mali. Acad. J. Biotechnol. 1(4): 057-061.
Chidziya E., J. Takundwa, J. Jere,  N. Kunonga, P. T. Gamundani, L. Marufu and T. Gozho. (2013). An Evaluation of Different Agricultural and Industrial Wastes as Substrates for Oyster Mushrooom (Pleurotus sajor- caju) Production in Zimbabwe. Journal of Applied and Agricultural Sciences (JASSA)

T. Sengudzwa, N. Chirinda, M. Manyuchi, C. Mawere “Production of bio fuels from Eichhornia crassipes algae”, International Journal of Research Studies in Biosciences (IJRSB) Volume 2, Issue 1, Paper ID 03V21104.

T Sengudzwa, F Maphosa, H Smidt, ‘’ Microbial community structure and diversity of aquifer and river sediments impacted by discharging CAH-polluted groundwater.

M. M. Manyuchi, A. Phiri, N. Chirinda, P. Muredzi, J. Govha and T. Sengudzwa, “Vermicomposting of Waste Corn Pulp Blended with Cow Dung Manure using Eisenia fetida”, World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 68, pp. 1306-1309, 2012.

 T. Chirova, D. Garwe, T Sengudzwa and N Muzhinji. Molecular Characterization of Pythium (Py) species affecting tobacco in the float tray seedling production system. International Journal of Research Studies in Biosciences (IJRSB) Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2014, pp 14-20

Dhliwayo P.D (1999) Guidelines on the Successful Establishment of Sweetpotato Nurseries. The Farming World. Cattle World Publishers. Zimbabwe

M D S Nzima, H H Dhliwayo, K Mazivazvose, P R Mazaiwana, B A Mundeiri, P Dhliwayo, A Matibiri, T Chirara, F Gatsinzi, J M Gopo, V Mandishona (1999). Preliminary Results of Participatory Evaluation of Introduced Sweetpotato Varieties in Hwedza and Buhera Districts. Biotechnology Vol 4 No 5. Biotechnology Trust of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe.10 – 15

Dhliwayo P.D (2000) Root and Tuber Crops in Zimbabwe; Research and Development Highlights at the Horticultural Research Centre. Proceedings of the 8th Triennial Symposium of the International Society for Tropical Root Crops – Africa Branch 2001.

Dhliwayo P.D (2002) Underexploited Tuber Crops in Zimbabwe. A study on the Production of the Livingstone Potato (Plectranthus esculentus) Plant Genetic Resources Newsletter
F. K Akinnifesi, F Kwesiga, J Mhango, T Chilanga, A Mkonda, C.A.C Kadu, I Kadzere, D Mithoefer, J. D. K Saka, G Sileshi, T Ramadhani and P Dhliwayo (2006). Towards The Development of Miombo Fruit Trees as Commercial Tree Crops in Southern Africa. Forests, Trees and Livelihoods, 2006, Vol 16 pp103 -121

Dhliwayo-Chiunzi P. D, Matimati I, Kachigunda L and Hove L (2010) Collection and Evaluation of Superior Phenotypes of Uaparca kirkiana an indigenous fruit tree of Zimbabwe Namibia Development Journal

Patient D Dhliwayo-Chiunzi, Ruvimbo Rwafa, Lydia Mugayi, Fungai Siwanja, Talent Ngurube, Glasnost Hudson, Hope Mvundura, Shumirai Nyashonjeka, Tapiwaishe Madeya (2014) Screening and Evaluation of Ligninolytic Dye Decolourisation Capacity of Pleurotus Ostreatus (accepted December 2014 in the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences JBES)

Patient D Dhliwayo-Chiunzi (2015) The Wild Edible Indigenous Mushrooms of Zimbabwe: A Prelude to Sustainable Exploitation (abstract) 1st International and 9th National Biotechnology Congress, Tehran, Iran

Dhliwayo-Chiunzi P. D (2002)
Let’s Grow Sweetpotatoes National Farmer Training Board (NFTB) Marondera. (Illustrated booklet, 9 pages).

Dhliwayo-Chiunzi P. D (2002) Growing Oyster Mushrooms. National Farmer Training Board (NFTB) Marondera. (Illustrated booklet, 7 pages).

Dhliwayo-Chiunzi P. D. (2004) From Roots to Riches: A Guide to profitable production of Sweetpotatoes. Harare: Biotechnology Trust of Zimbabwe. (book 35 pages).

Dhliwayo – Chiunzi P. D. (2003) Household Processing and Utilization of Selected Indigenous Fruits – A Training Manual ICRAF, Zimbabwe

Dhliwayo – Chiunzi P. D. (2003) Nursery Establishment and Management for Fruit Trees – A Training Manual ICRAF, Zimbabwe.

C. Mawere, and S. G. Kumar. 2015. In silico Design and Analysis of G. Moniliformis Class II Hydrophobin Inhibitor as a Potential Antifungal Drug, Science Direct, Materials Today: Proceedings Volume 2, Issue 9, Part A, pp 4429–4435. doi:10.1016/j.matpr.2015.10.075

C. Mawere, K. Zvarevashe, T.Sengudzwa, T. Padenga. 2015. Cloud-Based Big Data Analytics in Bioinformatics: A Review, Proceedings and Report of the 7th UbuntuNet Alliance Annual Conference, pp 217- 230.

C. Mawere, S. Kumar and S. Muzondo. 2014. Comparative Modeling, Quality Assessment and Validation of HYD1, IJIRCCE, Vol 2, ISSN (Online): 2320-9801.

C. Mawere, and S. Kumar. 2014.  Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of HYD1, IJSR, ISSN (Online): 2319-7064. Paper ID: 02015360

C. Mawere, and T. P. Mpofu. 2014. Profile Impostoring: A Use Case on the Rising Social Engineering Attack on Facebook Users, IJSR, ISSN (Online): 2319-7064, Paper ID: 0201486.

T. P. Mpofu, C. Mawere, M. Mukosera.2014. The Impact and Application of 3D Printing Technology, IJSR, ISSN (Online): 2319-7064. Paper ID: 02014675

K. Zvarevashe, T. Zwavashe, and C. Mawere. 2014. An Introduction of the RIST Framework on Information Security Awareness Practices in the Current Information Age, IJIRCCE, Vol 2, ISSN (Online): 2320-9801.

Mudyiwa M, Muredzi  P, Proximate composition and Sensory evaluation of soymilk produced using locally grown soybean varieties. [Poster Presentation in Brazil at the Food data and biodiversity conference. 2007]

Musengi, A., Khan, N., Le Roes-Hill, M., Pletschke, B.I., and Burton, S.G., 2013. Increasing the scale of peroxidase production by Streptomyces sp. strain BSII#1. Journal of Applied Microbiology, Wiley (October 2013).

Raphael Kwiri, Clive Winini, Amos Musengi, Misheck Mudyiwa, Clarice Nyambi, Perkins Muredzi, Abigail Malunga. Proximate Composition of Pumpkin Gourd (Cucurbita Pepo) Seeds from Zimbabwe. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences.Vol. 3, No. 4, 2014, pp. 279-283. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20140304.17

Amanda Kwenda, Moses Nyahada, Amos Musengi, Misheck Mudyiwa, Perkins Muredzi. An Investigation on the Causes of Escherichia coli and Coliform Contamination of Cheddar Cheese and How to Reduce the Problem (A Case Study at a Cheese Manufacturing Firm in Harare, Zimbabwe). International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences. Special Issue: Optimizing Quality and Food Process Assessment. Vol. 3, No. 6-1, 2014, pp. 6-14. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.s.2014030601.12

Mudyiwa M, Nyati H, Mwenje, Muredzi P, Mujaji W. Isolation of citric acid producing Aspergillus niger strains from selected Zimbabwean sources. [Presented at Research and Intellectual Expo at the University of Zimbabwe in year 2012].

Mission

The Mission of the Biotechnology Association to provide mutually supportive learning environment in which each individual member has the opportunity to develop professional skills in the field of Biotechnology which in turn fosters self-confidence ;personal growth and help in development in the field of Biotechnology, providing a platform for public understanding of biotechnology.

Values

• Innovation
• Leadership
• Integrity
• Commitment
• Professionalism

Mandates of the association

• To spearhead research in the different fields of biotechnology.
• To help its individual members improve their abilities to communicate effectively in scientific fields.
• To ensure public understanding of biotechnology
• To sort industrial relationships with companies and Organisations
• To equip its individual members with project development and management skills.
• Association should provide public platform where all biotechnology academics meet.

For more information, contact:

Postal Address:

HIT Biotechnology Association
Biotechnology Department
P.O. Box BE 277
Belvedere
Harare
Zimbabwe

Physical Address:

HIT Biotechnology Association
Harare Institute of Technology
Ganges Road
Belvedere
Harare
Zimbabwe

OR

Ms. L. Nyaude: Secretary of the Biotechnology Department,
Telephone +263 4 741422 – 36 Ext 2258
Email: biotech@hit.ac.zw

Postal Address:

Biotechnology Department
Harare Institute of Technology
P.O. Box BE 277
Belvedere
Harare
Zimbabwe

Physical Address:

Biotechnology Department
Harare Institute of Technology
Ganges Road
Belvedere
Harare
Zimbabwe

or

Ms. L. Nyaude : Secretary of the Biotechnology Department,
Telephone: +263 4 741422 – 36 Ext 2258
Email: biotech@hit.ac.zw