Geophysics at UnB began in the 1960s, when UNESCO recommended the installation, in South America, of a highly sensitive seismographic array to monitor earthquakes in the Andean region, which resulted in the creation of the Seismology group at the Institute of Geosciences (IG). In the 1980s, with the expansion of the national seismological network, the Seismological Observatory of the Institute of Geosciences was created, which currently operates in its own building and, in addition to academic responsibilities, serves the national and international community. Applied Geophysics began its activities in the 80s and in the 90s, the Applied Geophysics Laboratory was created, with the aim of consolidating the application of geophysics in the area of mineral prospecting.

With a permanent staff of 25 teachers, seven of whom worked in different areas of Geophysics, the IG created the course in 2008, with activities beginning in 2009, with the aim of training bachelors in Geophysics capable of serving different fields of professional activity. , including Geophysics applied to geological mapping and mineral exploration, oil and gas, groundwater, Geotechnical Engineering, environmental monitoring, studies of rivers, lakes and coastal marine environments and basic seismology.

Currently, the Geosciences Institute has 54 professors, several of whom work in Geophysics. In its first evaluation by the MEC, the course received a Very Good rating (4). The first eleven graduates have already successfully entered the job market or postgraduate studies.