The Faculty of Plant and Animal Sciences and Technology

Acting Dean:
Dr Nation Chikumba

Overview:
The Faculty of Plant and Animal Sciences and Technology aims to nurture tomorrow’s finest minds, inspiring the next generation of potential agricultural research academics. The Faculty is dedicated to the provision of innovative and exciting educational opportunities related to the field of Agriculture and related sciences. Highly qualified experts are produced through programmes that focuses on the value of knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture to meet National and Global challenges of complex and ever-changing needs and demands in the Agricultural Industry. Providing hands-on activities related to the mastery of skills in agriculture, animal and crop science technology (including microbiological, biochemical and genetic disciplines).

The Faculty of Plant and Animal Sciences and Technology encompasses three (3) Departments: Animal Production Sciences and Health, Crop science and Horticulture. In our Faculty, students receive individual attention from highly qualified, dedicated and experienced staff in Agriculture. Additionally, there is a relatively low student-faculty ratio, that provide opportunities for students to develop their critical thinking skills, to work in a team setting and to capitalize on hands-on learning experiences that will allow them to be competitive in a global economy. The following undergraduate programmes are offered: BSc Honours in Animal Science and Technology, BSc Honours in Horticulture, BSc Honours in Crop Production and Technology and MSc in Agricultural Economics. The Degree offered are biased towards innovation and entrepreneurship. The intention is to link undergraduate and postgraduate students to the opportunities for careers in agriculture. Involvement in our exciting educational programmes also improves upon skills in communication, reasoning, interpersonal dynamics and complex social interactions. These are the skills that are critical for success in any endeavor. Through our internship programmes, during one’s educational study period, students can apply classroom learning to actual job situations. The Faculty is accelerating efforts to place research at the core of all academic activities and views research as part of lifelong learning. Therefore, the Faculty aims to identify ground-breaking research that carries the greatest potential for radical innovation and transformation. Innovation will thus be at the centre of all research efforts. Over and above the academic training, teaching and research, the Faculty also offers various training programmes to our external primary stakeholders on improved farming methods and conservation. Postgraduate courses currently offered are MSc in Animal Science, MSc in Crop Science (Agronomy/Plant Breeding) and MSc in Crop Protection.