The essence and mechanisms of environmental competence formation in students of natural science departments

A comparative analysis of the ecological (environmental) educational component of the training in students of Natural Science Departments (Chemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences, Ecology) and future teachers of natural sciences has been carried out. The general and professional competences, program results of training, and applicants training educational programs on the example of several Ukrainian universities are analyzed. It is revealed that the formation of environmental competence is carried out by acquiring environmental education by means of interactive technologies, forms, and methods of organizing the educational process. The positive influence of students’ involvement in research, environmental, ecological, and naturalistic work in extracurricular time on the formation of their environmental competence has been confirmed. The role of educational and industrial practices in the process of students’ professional training and the formation of their environmental competence is emphasized.