The 50th anniversary of the Rio de Janeiro Geology course

Abstract

2007 saw the fiftieth anniversary commemoration since the inauguration of the first four geologist graduation courses in Brazil. The Rio de Janeiro Geology course, created and inaugurated in 1958 by the Geologist Formation Campaign (CAGE) gave origin to the then National School of Geology, that was later incorporated into the University of Brazil, the current course of the Rio de Janeiro Federal University (UFRJ). The objective of this article is to present a concise history of the UFRJ Geology course. It begins by highlighting the establishment of Geology in Brazil and, in particular, Rio de Janeiro. The facts considered most important outline the political context in which the Geology courses were created and, above all, the extraordinary reputation that they enjoyed, as a result of the recognition of the strategic importance that it represented to the Country’s economic development. Also it reveals the important role played by the Rio de Janeiro geologists in actually regulating their profession. Furthermore, the three locations where the course used to function and where it is currently based are shown in parallel with the account of the administrative changes and those derived from the academic reform. The first graduate geologists are nominally cited, as well as the first professors and the first curricular grade. Based on this historical data, a comparison is made with the present teaching staff and the disciplines that form today’s UFRJ’s Geology course. It also examines the creation of post-graduations and presents
their evolution data. Finally, aspects are revealed that illustrate the impressive development of Brazilian Geology, reflected in its own evolution from one of the most traditional and foremost institutions to graduate Brazilian geologists.