Emailing a professor from prospective grad school

[Godric]

So I have decided on my first choice of school and program for my master's degree, (Medical Physics at University of Calgary if anyone is interested in knowing) and I am wondering how to go about emailing a professor. The program says you are not required to find a supervisor before applying, but I would still like to touch bases and ask questions. I am nervous of creating a negative first impression, what are some good guidelines to follow when sending that first email?

 

[micromass]

Don't worry too much, professors are usually too busy to dissect every single part of your email.
Be sure to investigate the kind of research they're doing. Mention this in the email and tell them you are interested in working in that field, and whether he is taking on any students.

 

[Godric]

Thanks for the advice. I'm from a small university and sometimes the people from larger universities feel like they are a world away, but they are still just people. So far every professor's research looks interesting to me, but I'll have to do some self-reflection on what is most interesting to me.

 

[micromass]

Well, you have time to decide this. But remember that you will do research in a specific area for 4 years or more. So be sure to pick an area that you absolutely love to death! The two major mistakes people can make is not picking an area they absolutely love, and picking an advisor that does not fit their style well. So you need to be very picky about these kinds of things.

 

[Godric]

Thank you again. I am a very picky person when it comes to decision making, so I shouldn't have any difficulties in being picky for this!
While I'm asking questions... Will having a math minor be something that looks good on my grad application or is it something that wouldn't have much attention paid to it?