The Department of Applied Sciences is one of the oldest departments at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology. Initially called the Department of Chemical Technology and had first student intake in 1974.

The department offers two four-year undergraduate degree programs: B.Sc. (Applied Chemistry) and B.Sc. (Food Technology) and offers General Chemistry subjects to the Engineering and Natural Sciences disciplines. The Department also offers Postgraduate degree programs..

The Department has two chemical laboratories, a microbiology lab, a chemical instrumentation lab, a food analysis laboratory, two lecture rooms and offices for both the academic and technical staff. It also has a Food Processing Pilot Plant which houses necessary instruments and equipment used for food processing and product development classes and research.

The Department has strong connections with government departments, food, agriculture, chemical and mining industries through collaboration for research, short courses and consultancies.  These partnerships have helped in many ways to both the department and University and has reflected well in the employment status of our graduates.

A notable outcome of the Department-industry partnership was seen in the assistance by National Fisheries Authority (NFA) over the last five (5) years of assistance to Departmental equipment and building renovations at the cost of more than K5million. This also includes the establishment of the National Food Testing and Monitoring Centre (NFTMC). NFTMC is attached to the department and will become of great benefit to the students and staff of the department once it becomes 100% operational after accreditation. It will elevate the research capacity of the staff and students as well as equip them with the knowledge and expertise on some of the newest technologies in analytical instrumentation and equipment as well as high quality skills and experience in the areas of microbiology, food analysis and a range of chemical analyses.