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Science-based service-learning course challenges misconceptions about subdivided units
30 Sep 2025
Overcrowded space and environmental hygiene of subdivided units (SDUs) have long been a topic of concern.
To provide a deeper understanding of the realities faced by residents of SDUs, Dr Patrick Yue, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Biology, has led a group of students to conduct a service-learning project with support from the Centre for Innovative Service-Learning and the H.K.S.K.H. Lady MacLehose Centre. The project employed scientific methods to evaluate the living conditions in SDUs and proposed practical improvement recommendations.
Immersive community sampling
Students from the undergraduate course “Environmental Health and Toxicology” conducted field visits to several SDUs in Kwai Tsing district, after studying the topics related to SDUs and how to perform different microbial tests and environmental measurements. During the site visits, the students collected samples from high-contact surfaces including door handles, refrigerators, dining tables, kitchens, and toilets. They then conducted comprehensive assessments covering air quality and household hygiene. Additionally, with assistance from the Department of Chemistry, students further analysed the heavy metal content in drinking water samples to assess their safety. To draw a comparative analysis between the hygiene levels between SDUs and typical households, the students also collected environmental samples from their own homes. Moreover, they interviewed SDU residents to gain deeper insights into the challenges and difficulties faced in their daily lives.
Unexpected findings challenge stereotypes
The findings are both surprising and enlightening: the overall hygiene in many of the surveyed SDUs not only meet safety standards, but they also show cleanliness levels higher than those in the students' own homes. This discovery encouraged students to reflect on the common stereotypes surrounding SDUs.
Dr Yue notes, “Students were surprised to discover that the hygiene levels in their own living environments were lower than some of the SDUs they visited. This finding made them realise hygiene is also largely influenced by personal habits apart from living space.”
Bridging science and social understanding
The service-learning project not only focused on academic research but also guided students to reflect on social issues through hands-on experience. Dr Yue explains that the project’s focus on SDUs aimed at addressing stereotypes and misconceptions around these living conditions, while showcasing the importance of looking at social issues with scientific objectivity. The research findings revealed that dining tables often became hotspots for bacterial growth, highlighting areas requiring extra attention and cleaning by residents. To improve the living conditions at SDUs, students worked with partner organisations to apply antibacterial coatings in the SDU households, putting research findings into application through impactful community service.
Advancing education and social inclusion
This interdisciplinary and community-collaborative service-learning initiative enhanced students’ learning effectiveness and attitude, and cultivated their sense of social responsibility. Dr Yue concludes, "Service-Learning is crucial for higher education. It not only builds professional skills but also cultivates a profound sense of social responsibility. Our students learned to replace prejudice with evidence and listen to the community's needs. This is key to fostering a more inclusive society."