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Betchani Tchereni
Associate Prof Betchani Tchereni - Deputy Vice Chancellor

Department of Computing and Information Technology

Head of Department Mr. Goodal Nyirenda
Campus Location Polytechnic Main Campus
Contacts +265(0) 1 872 902 ext. 1225 / 1224 head-cit@poly.ac.mw
Faculty Faculty of Applied Sciences
Official Website cit.poly.ac.mw

About the Department

The Computing and Information Technology department was formed in 2002 after the splitting of the Mathematics and Computing departments into two separate departments.

We offer two main degrees: Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) and Bachelor of Management and Information Systems (BIS).

In addition, the department is running a Masters in Informatics in cooperation with Chancellor College and the College of Medicine. We also have an active PhD program in which several of the current members of staff are enrolled. 

We are in the process of finalising our curriculum review. There are ongoing plans to introduce additional degrees as the department is increasing its capacity in terms of staff and resources.

Degrees

The BIT program is designed to equip students with an understanding of both hardware and software concerns of the computer. This includes basic knowledge of electronics, microprocessors, communications and the operating systems. Students who successfully complete this program should be able to diagnose and maintain computer-related equipment and networks sharing information with other devises on a network. This program also equips students with the necessary skills to develop and maintain software systems which include office, databases, Internet and network applications.

Courses 

Examples of courses offered under the BIT degree:

  • Programming (C++, Java, Web Programming)
  • Algorithms and their Design
  • Database Management
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Networking
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Computer Graphics
  • Mathematics: Trigonometry and Calculus, Numerical Analysis and Applied Statistics

Courses only for BIT and not BIS

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Digital and micro-Electronics  
  • Computer Hardware
  • Telecommunications

The BIS program is designed to equip students with an understanding of computer applications and software concerns. The students will end up with the knowledge of business procedures and practice with the technical know-how to enable them analyse, develop, maintain and operate an e-business establishment with sound e-commerce procedures. The program would also equip the students with the necessary skill to develop and maintain software systems which include office, accounts, databases, and Internet and network applications.

Examples of courses offered under the BIS degree

  • Programming (C++,  Web Programming)
  • Algorithms and their Design
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Networking
  • Basic Hardware
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Computer Graphics
  • Mathematics: Trigonometry and Calculus, Numerical Analysis and Applied Statistics

 Courses only for BIS and not BIT

  • Macro and micro Economics
  • Financial Accounting
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Information Systems Audit

4th Year Dissertation

The students are required to undertake a research project in their final year. This project is submitted in partial fulfillment of the degree the students will obtain. This project provides the students with the opportunity to demonstrate independence and originality in planning and organizing a larger project over a long period and to put into practice some of the techniques they have been taught throughout the program. Some students undertake research into the use of specific information systems and technologies in organisations and society. Some build systems or IT tools.

Examples of projects:

  • General MIS
  • The Development of a Secondary School Student Management Information System
  • The Polytechnic Library Periodicals Management System
  • Health Information Systems
  • The Development of a "Follow-up Clinic Management System
  • Development of a Web-Based Malaria Prevalence Monitoring System (MPMS)
  • GIS
  • Automating Habitat-built Houses Visualisation and Spartial Analysis for Blantyre Villages
  • Assessing Ability of Managers to Use Geographic Information Systems in Decision Making and Water Management, “Case of Blantyre Water Board”
  • Smart Systems
  • Smart Waste Bin Management System
  • Obstacle Detection System for Blind people
  • Research
  • The Impact Assessment of IT Governance Implementation on Busisness/IT Alignment in Malawian Organisations: Case study of Malawian Financial Sector
  • Assesing the Benefits of Macra's Television White Space (TVWS) Project on Secondary School Students’ Performance and Teaching Methods in Malawi: A Case Study of Mulanje Secondary School

Enrollment and Mature Entry

The NCHE is handling the process of University admission in Malawi. The procedure is that NCHE advertises in newspapers and other media the dates and other admission information. They publish application forms on their website. Prospective students are advise to check regularly the NHCE website https://www.nche.ac.mw/.

The requirements for mature entry are usually as follows: MSCE  4 credits including mathematics and advanced diploma (this is usually City and Guilds).

Staff

Lecturers

  • Goodal Nyierenda, MSc
  • Amelia Taylor, PhD
  • Patrick Chikumba, Msc
  • Martin Msendema, Msc
  • Kondwani Thangalimodzi, Msc
  • Thokozani Chimkono
  • Patrick Mussa Msc
  • Dickson Chinguwo, MSc
  • Mtisunge Malemia, Msc
  • Patrick Jackson, MSc
  • Ken Kamwendo
  • Justin Chikumbanje, Msc

Staff Associates

  • Michael Chinguwo
  • Umali Leonard
  • Ramsy Banda
  • Ellen Kafodya
  • Sarah Khudze
  • Juliana Masi
  • Tamara Mumba

Part Time

  • Kondwani Chimpanda
  • Davie Munthali