Elective

Elective used as a adjective means that it is optional and chosen, for example, by election. An elective, a noun, chosen by a student means that it is an optional subject or course in a curriculum.

Elective is a term used for an academic course chosen by the student from a set of options, as opposed to a required course. While required courses (sometimes called core courses) are deemed essential for an academic degree, elective courses tend to be more specialized. Elective courses usually have fewer students than the required core courses.

The term elective is also used for a period of medical study conducted away from the student's home medical school, often abroad. Motivations for choosing such a program include a wish to experience other cultures, and to learn how to work in the clinical situations in other countries.