Not a native English speaker, I need to write an e-mail to my (American) university lecturer? Any specific forms that should be used?
Dear Professor [Name]:
Blah blah blah
Sincerely,
Premislaus
Academics may carry formal titles for life. These include Doctor, Professor, or Dean. Address them using the more eminent title.
Dr. Ted Kaczynski
Math Department
University of California System at Berkeley
Dear Dr. Kaczynski,
The forms above are appropriate for a formal letter to be mailed. In that case I would use a colon as shown by Inner Stickler. The colon is used for formal and business writing. The comma is used for a friendly letter.
Dr. is probably OK but if you’re his student, then Professor is better.
However, you said this is an email. Email tends to be more informal, and college professors tend to interact with students informally. I would opt for beginning an email with:
Professor X,
I am wondering…
Thanks, [or Regards, or whatever you like]
Premislaus