Ch 1. Introduction -- Ch 2. The petroleum comes to light (1864–1941) -- Ch 3. The formation of the know-how (1938-1961) -- Ch 4. Improvement, professionalization and geosciences teaching (1952-1968) Ch 5. The National Petroleum Council and Petrobras as institutions providing improvement and professionalization courses in Brazil -- Ch 6. Conclusion.This book investigates the role of the National Petroleum Council (CNP) and especially of Petrobras in the construction and shaping of courses in Geosciences, as part of the historical process of the search for and exploration of oil, which began in Brazil in 1864 and ended in 1968 with the discovery of the first offshore well. The book explores the history of the discovery of oil in Brazil together with the historical development of oil research and geosciences in Brazil. It also elucidates significant events and developments which occurred between 1864 and 1968 such as the foundation of the Ouro Preto Mining School, the foundation of the CNP and Petrobras and other scientific societies and universities and their contributions to the formation and constitution of geosciences in Brazil. This book also discusses the massive investments by CNP and Petrobras in technical and scientific research for oil exploration in the Brazilian territory.This unique book appeals to scientists, students and professionals in geosciences, history and related fields.