- Home
- Biology Learning Software
- Virtual Genetics Lab II
Virtual Genetics Lab II
What it is
Virtual Genetics Lab II (VGLII) is a free simulation for students investigating how traits are inherited. Learners cross hypothetical creatures and inspect offspring to study transmission genetics. Problems cover one to three genes, with traits modeled as autosomal or sex-linked and using simple dominance, co-dominance, or incomplete dominance. Instructors can restrict the available models. Model Builder lets students enter and save genetic models, while instructors can compare submitted answers with correct answers for grading. Version 3 adds chi-squared calculations in the Summary Chart, epistasis and complementation models, and Super Crosses involving up to 2,000 offspring. Desktop downloads are listed for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux/UNIX, and the download page requires Java 7 or higher. The browser-based jsVGL version runs without Java and can load and save work. The maker says VGLII will no longer be supported, although jsVGL support will continue. Some macOS versions may show an “Unable to Load Java Runtime Environment” message at launch; the maker provides a workaround using the app’s VGLII.jar file.
For and against
For
- Simulates inheritance through creature crosses
- Supports one to three genes
- Includes multiple dominance and linkage models
- Offers chi-squared and advanced genetic models
- Browser version can load and save work
Against
- VGLII requires Java 7 or higher
- The maker will no longer support VGLII
- Some macOS versions may show a launch error
The verdict
VGLII offers structured genetics problems, modeling tools, and analysis features for university instruction. Because desktop support is ending, users may prefer the continuing browser-based jsVGL version.
Who it suits
VGLII suits university biology learners and instructors teaching inheritance through virtual experiments. jsVGL is the better fit for users who want a browser version without Java.
Plans and prices
Virtual Genetics Lab II
Free; problems cover 1 to 3 genes
Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu
On the record
- Analysis features
- Version 3 includes chi-squared calculations in the Summary Chart, epistasis and complementation models, and Super Crosses of up to 2,000 offspring.vgl.umb.edu · read 8 Oct 2026
- Browser version
- The maker describes jsVGL as a non-Java version that runs in a web browser and can load and save work.vgl.umb.edu · read 8 Oct 2026
- Desktop availability
- The download page lists VGLII downloads for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux/UNIX.vgl.umb.edu · read 8 Oct 2026
- Desktop requirements
- The download page says VGL requires Java 7 or higher and lists Windows 9x and above, Solaris 8 and above, Linux, and Mac OS X 10.7 and above.vgl.umb.edu · read 8 Oct 2026
- Genetic models
- Traits can be autosomal or sex-linked and can use simple dominance or co-dominance or incomplete dominance; instructors can limit the possible models.vgl.umb.edu · read 8 Oct 2026
- Known compatibility issue
- The maker says some macOS versions may show an “Unable to Load Java Runtime Environment” message when launching VGLII and provides a workaround using the app's VGLII.jar file.vgl.umb.edu · read 8 Oct 2026
- Maker and development
- The maker says VGLII was designed and developed by four UMass Boston master's students in computer science and Brian White.vgl.umb.edu · read 8 Oct 2026
- Model Builder
- Students can enter and save genetic models, and instructors can compare their answers with correct answers for grading.vgl.umb.edu · read 8 Oct 2026
- Problem limit
- The maker's comparison table says VGLII problems support one to three genes.vgl.umb.edu · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- VGLII simulates transmission genetics so students can investigate how traits are inherited by crossing hypothetical creatures and examining their offspring.vgl.umb.edu · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The download page directs installation questions, troubleshooting requests, and bug reports to Brian White by email.vgl.umb.edu · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support status
- The maker says VGLII will no longer be supported and says it will continue supporting the cross-platform browser version, jsVGL.vgl.umb.edu · read 8 Oct 2026
- Use and audience
- The maker says VGLII had been used by over 3,500 biology students at UMass Boston since 2003.vgl.umb.edu · read 8 Oct 2026
