I have done an experiment whereby I have collected all of my samples, and done some of the pre processing required. These samples were then sent to an external commercial lab for further processing and the raw data returned to me for analysis and write up.

My question is - Can this data be used in my thesis as an external lab was involved? I think it's ok, but just want to get some people's opinions on this. I am 1 year 3 months in to my PhD and this represents my first real data set.

Dear Simon G

Thank you for your reply. Basically I am looking at microbial diversity from environmental samples. I had to collect the samples, perform the DNA extractions and test PCR's, but then I sent the samples to a lab in order for them to be analyzed using next gen sequencing, to get an overall picture of the microbial diversity in these samples. The analysis worked, however some of the samples, whilst having a large diversity, have a low species evenness, so I am unsure as to whether something may have gone wrong.

I am in the early stage of the second year of my program. It took me a long time to get a handle on sampling strategy/DNA extraction and PCR optimization. I now have lots of data, but i'm not sure whether it is all usable?

Thanks so much

I have just received some of my data from my first experiment (PhD based in the biological sciences). Some of the data that I have is useful, whereas in some of my samples the assay has not worked so well. Should this be included in the thesis. I guess I am asking what really qualifies as data that can be used in writing up?

Thanks

Thank you for your help

I have received some of my data back from my preliminary analysis. It looks promising, so I am hopeful that I can use this and that it can form my first proper chapter of my thesis (or at least part of it).

I was only dependent on this data as I hoped it would be usable, and could confirm that this is the method I would use for my next experiments. It now seems as if I am on the right road, and can plan the next steps.

Thank you

I am just started into my second year of my PhD. My first year consisted of a lot of reading, practicing sampling methods, optimizing protocols and planning future experiments. I passed my review to officially become a PhD candidate last September. I have now optimized large parts of my assay and have refined my sampling technique, but have not generated any usable data as yet. Therefore, I then sent some optimized samples to be analyzed in a lab overseas, and through a couple of small complications, it has taken a long time for the results to be returned to me. I am quite frustrated as I have now been out of the lab for almost 2 months, whilst waiting for my results to come back. In the meantime, I have written up a draft of my introduction/lit review chapter, which my supervisor has reviewed, and started writing up my chapter on the samples that are being analyzed.

I had a meeting with my supervisors before Christmas, and they were happy with my progress, but I am worried that if my sample results come back and the data is unusable, or of poor quality, that I will just have wasted a couple of months. If that does happen I feel it will be hard to motivate myself to go through the process again! I come in to the office each day and read papers, refine my first chapter etc, but because i'm not in the lab I feel that colleagues think that i'm being lazy. I am not - I am just waiting for results that will hopefully contribute to my thesis!

I would greatly appreciate any advice that people on this forum could offer.

Thank you

I am just started into my second year of my PhD. My first year consisted of a lot of reading, practicing sampling methods, optimizing protocols and planning future experiments. I passed my review to officially become a PhD candidate last September. I have now optimized large parts of my assay and have refined my sampling technique, but have not generated any usable data as yet. Therefore, I then sent some optimized samples to be analyzed in a lab overseas, and through a couple of small complications, it has taken a long time for the results to be returned to me. I am quite frustrated as I have now been out of the lab for almost 2 months, whilst waiting for my results to come back. In the meantime, I have written up a draft of my introduction/lit review chapter, which my supervisor has reviewed, and started writing up my chapter on the samples that are being analyzed.

I had a meeting with my supervisors before Christmas, and they were happy with my progress, but I am worried that if my sample results come back and the data is unusable, or of poor quality, that I will just have wasted a couple of months. If that does happen I feel it will be hard to motivate myself to go through the process again! I come in to the office each day and read papers, refine my first chapter etc, but because i'm not in the lab I feel that colleagues think that i'm being lazy. I am not - I am just waiting for results that will hopefully contribute to my thesis!

I would greatly appreciate any advice that people on this forum could offer.

Thank you