University of Michigan. Dept. of Geological Sciences.

For background of this unit, please consult the history found in the University of Michigan. Department of Geological Sciences Records finding aid.

The origin of the study of geology and mineralogy at the University of Michigan can be traced to the 1830s. Usually taught by one, sometimes two, academicians, these disciplines attracted to the university such influential scientists of the time as Mark W. Harrington, Israel Cook Russell, and Alexander Winchell.

The administrative formalizing of courses of study in geology and mineralogy did not take place until the early twentieth century and clearly followed the appointments of William Herbert Hobbs as professor of geology in 1906 and Edward H. Kraus as professor of mineralogy and petrography in 1910. Each of these individuals, through their skills as administrators and the forcefulness of their personalities were able to carve out separate administrative identities for their respective disciplines.

Geology and mineralogy continued as separate departments until 1961 when they merged to form the single Department of Geology and Mineralogy. In 1979, the department was renamed the Department of Geological Sciences. Today, the Department of Geological Sciences has a large and experienced staff, and offers course work in many fields of the geological sciences. Opportunities are available for both undergraduate and graduate research in the laboratory and in the field.