ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS IN TEACHING GEOGRAPHY-ORIENTED DISCIPLINES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Problem Statement and Purpose. The modern world faces numerous environmental challenges. Addressing current ecological problems requires a comprehensive approach that includes environmental education. Geography, as a science that studies both natural and anthropogenic processes, plays a vital role in training specialists capable of analyzing environmental issues, identifying approaches to their solution, and developing sustainable development strategies. Therefore, integrating ecological and geographical knowledge into the curricula of higher education institutions at both bachelor’s and master’s levels is an essential aspect. The purpose of this study is to analyze the educational and professional program “Geographical Foundations of Environmental Management and Regional and Municipal Development” under the specialty “106 Geography” at the first (bachelor’s) level of higher education in terms of integrating ecological knowledge into the educational process and determining its impact on the formation of environmental literacy and professional competencies of future geographers. Data & Methods. The main sources of information include regulatory documents and scientific literature in the fields of geography, ecology, and environmental management, as well as educational programs, syllabi, and methodological materials available on the website of Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University. A comparative (analytical) approach was applied to analyze these materials, allowing an assessment of the integration of environmental knowledge into geographic education. Results. The analysis of the presence of ecological aspects in teaching geography-oriented disciplines in higher education institutions (based on the bachelor’s educational program in specialty 106 Geography at Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University) demonstrated a high level of implementation of modern geographical and ecological approaches. The interdisciplinary approach, combining geographical knowledge with fundamentals of biology, law, and economics, enables students to perceive the complexity of environmental challenges and understand the interconnection between society and nature. Enhancing the environmental component in teaching geographic disciplines will contribute to the development of competent and environmentally conscious professionals capable of assessing the state of nature and implementing effective solutions for its preservation and sustainable development.