Abstract:

Nowadays environmental sciences are seen as an educational option linked to sustainable development programs in every country. New PhD specialized in how to apply science and tech into action plans to detonate sustainable productive activities in rural areas are looked by governments, research institutions and consultant companies. The National Polytechnic Institute is a public institution of research and education at different grade levels, but focused primarily on technology development addressing the needs of society. Likewise, interdisciplinary research trends at this time offer new ways to develop research projects in environmental sciences towards sustainability. The junction between ecology and geography plus social and economic sciences according to systemic perspective has resulted in the modern Sciences of landscape. Sciences of landscape are a new opportunity to develop innovative doctoral programs focused on solving the dual challenge of the millennium: 1) preserve the environment and, 2) ensure better quality of life for all human societies. The model of educational innovation launched in Mexico a decade ago, is based on competencies to offer students a very specific profile of skills and abilities that allow them to be able to do something precise, socially relevant and successful in their individual growth. This model is based on the pillars of learning of UNESCO; and takes as a reference to the learner, since each has different skills and rhythms of apprehension and assimilation of knowledge; therefore, all opportunities are provided in the development of learning (generating knowledge), learning to do (develop skills), learning to be (ethical values) and learning to live together (attitudes towards society), which implies in terms of UNESCO, education for life, for democracy, for social cohesion and axiological consolidation. However, for the proper application of any model and get its advantages over other educational models should be reviewed case by case services, scope and objectives of the specific educational program and the mission of the institution proposes, at an early stage; but at a later stage, it can be formulated the appropriate model and integrated with the academic functions in doctoral programs and with the criteria set itself the Institution. Prepare students to achieve PhD in environmental science is a huge challenge, because we must open up a place occupied by professional of lower educational levels (engineers, biologists, economists...). So that new PhD must have emerging skills that are specific to their academic degree.

Keywords:

New graduate programmes, competence vs. constructivism models.