Training researchers in a postgraduate course in environmental sciences: challenges for its consolidation.

Abstract

The solidity, coherence and consistency of the research processes in a PhD in Environmental Sciences, and their contribution to the generation of knowledge, were evaluated. Using a mixed exploratory methodology, a content analysis of 50 theses was carried out; in addition, a checklist with twelve criteria was designed and validated. It was found that the line of evaluation and sustainable management of natural resources (70%) is mostly cultivated; the theses are inscribed in environmental sciences (64%) and in natural sciences (36%); 80% show methodological coherence and 92% make a brief theoretical analysis. Some challenges are to delve deeper into complexity and inter and transdisciplinarity, achieve more theoretical-methodological coherence, produce socio-environmental science and build epistemic communities.