<p>A PhD is possible in four years, but it remains rare, particularly in the sciences that require time to get results, one reason that I suspect the neuroscience average is what it is. While theoretical research might proceed at the rate that the mind can develop it, “wet” research cannot be hurried since the results are dependent on the development/training/reproduction/etc. of other organisms. </p>
<p>Even freakishly smart people can get unlucky – an experiment that doesn’t yield good results, an advisor who demands more and more, backordered equipment and supplies, etc. </p>
<p>I would count on four years as a minimum while knowing that it may take up to two years longer.</p>
<p>Speaking of chemistry it depends on your research field also. For example, if you are studying theoretical chemistry its way shorter (4.5 years) than wet lab work like biochemistry which could take 10 years lol</p>
<p>In Europe though phds are 3-4 years, great place</p>
Heh, an MIT biology grad student I know, incoming class of 2000, finally got his degree this year for his biochemistry and structural biology-intensive project.</p>
<p>One of the dudes in my lab just finished about nine months ago after taking around 15 years to complete. Around the eight year mark he was cut down to half salary, and I think by the time he was done he was paid at something like 1/5 of what he was initially hired on at. Apparently he got married while in one of his early years, his wife struck it rich at her job, and she didn’t mind being his sugar mama. He had not real incentive to graduate, so he took his sweet time.</p>
<p>In Australia it takes 3 years to finish a PhD in engineering. A professor told me students are expected to produce around 5 pubs. If I had not already spent 4 years there for undergraduate I would’ve probably stayed there for grad school</p>