You're right that the process is different...
As far as I'm aware, the thesis has to be original - although the examiners can ask you about anything you've published.

Of course, there can be overlap between thesis and papers. But I think, all the same, that there's an originality criterion (to at least some extent).

On the other hand, you might be doing a PhD by publication - in which case there'd be no thesis to begin with - or a hybrid.
( Enzyme is powered by sunlight, Thu 21 Aug 2008, 11:19, Reply)