Basic science in my time (ooh about 10-15 years ago) was essentially the three fundamental fields of science: Physics, Chemistry and Biology.  Basic in this sense did not mean easy but simply implied the building blocks of the scientific field: physical, chemical and biological.  Although as you progress through the field and hit the real world pretty much everything is interdisciplinary.  Even all advanced classes pretty much blend the basic sciences into a nice amalgam and the lines dividing the fields have essentially dissapeared (think biochemistry, biophysics, physical chemistry and on and on).  There are still basic science research still going on, but what is considered cutting edge is taking place at the interfaces. 

As for science jobs, if you can network, work in cross functional team and are willing to learn new areas and then blend in what you are familiar with, one can definately lead a nice happy life in industrial settings (I am).  I do agree with what llsatt1 said about science and advancement of mankind and it is a very respectful profession. I would still suggest the OP thinks twice about getting a PhD in biology...
 
Don't get me wrong, I love learning science, but after so many years I am getting itchy feet. I am personally hoping to blend science and law together in certain areas such regulatory.  Or perhaps law school is the wake up call and the swift kick in the rear end that I need to wake up and reflect at how good I have things (after I spend a house down payment's worth for that degree)   

There is a huge oversupply of scientist and engineers contrary to what is presented in the media.  There are literally thousands of PhD's from prestigious universities and lab groups who are stuck in a perinnial post doc position because (1) they cannot find a tenure track faculty position because the market is saturated and (2) they cannot find a position in the industry/govt labs because they think their research was not practical enough and cannot sell themselves during the interview.  Plus this economy is not helping either.   

Its easier to find a science job in the traditional fields with a BS or MS.  With a PhD you better be flexible to work in a field that is not your specialty and also work with an end goal in sight (ie make sure you dont get lost in the "science" but work to develop something that you company wants).
Check out some of the science forum where people are discussing the present situation of overflow of scientist.  Legal field is not the only field that is saturated.

Of course there are certain interdisciplinary fields of science where there are shortages like civil engineers, regulatory scientist etc.   Personaly I would be very wary of Biology, unless you intend to go to Med School or you love it with a passion.  I loved bio mylself but the job prospects with PhD were slim, so I majored in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering and did my PhD in Biophysics/Bioanalytical Chemistry. You still have to network and market yourself to land that first great job, but once you do, you can take it from there. 

If I could do it over again I would have gladly gone to a Topicana school of medicine somewhere in the sunny carribean.

Here is my siutation.  I am a first year evening student at Suffolk Law (Boston). I have degrees in the sciences and engineering so I was thinking about Patent Law (however I am not sure anymore if I want to practice IP).  I have been networking and I may have a chance to land a job in regulatory or IP in my current company. 

Now here lies the problem: I really love the law and I am kicking myself for not taking the plunge ten years ago to attend law school, instead of getting a PhD (hind sight...)  I know that what I will initially make as a lawyer will be less than what I make now, but I am bored at my current role.

Is it worth it for me to make an effort to transfer to a higher tier full time program in 2yrs(Northeastern, BC, BU all said they are open to PT transfer students after the completion of two years of evening program)?
Or should I play it safe and complete my JD part time and have little or minimal debt I(and I can essentially cruise without pulling my hair out)?
Given how saturated the legal field is, it is worth it for me to drop what I have and chase a dream of a second career?  I am almost in my mid thirties...

I am looking for people's opinion to above. My wife and I both want stay in the Boston area.   

new england school of law is aba approved