The course is designed to introduce the student to tensor calculus, provide a solid mathematical foundation with tensor operations, and explain to the student where tensors are used in physics, what they represent, and how to use them to describe both inherent and induced anisotropies of materials. Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of linear algebra and mathematical analysis. Prior knowledge of electromagnetism and optics is not essential, but it greatly facilitates the understanding of the description of some material anisotropies.