This course will provide attendees with an overview of the subject of fiber optic sensors, including the basic science underpinning the devices, the major technological and commercial drivers of the subject, illustrations of the way the field has developed over the past few decades and include a discussion of topical illustrations of sensor devices, their applications and future directions. Particular attention will be paid to enabling those new to the field to gain a rapid introduction to the subject, as well as illustrating to more experienced attendees the ways in which the subject is developing. Practical applications of the technology and the links to optical communications systems will be emphasized during the course.