Creating and Implementation Elective Courses at Higher Education Institution-Experience Analysis

Riga Stradins University (RSU) Internal Rules of Studies No 1 stipulate that alongside the compulsory study courses, students must choose a number of elective courses in all six years of their studies. A considerable part of medical students are planning to work as general practitioners. Current trends in the society and health care allow to conclude that more and more patients wish to use natural remedies therefore family doctors must possess good knowledge in this field. The staff of the Department of Biology and Microbiology offers an innovative study course, Medicinal Plants and Their Use". The course must correspond to the highest quality standards in order to be chosen by the students. The article summarizes the experience in developing the course, as well as analyses its implementation, evaluationand perfection.