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Virtual Genetics Lab II

vgl.umb.edu

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Spec score 7.3 #18 of 24 in Biology Learning Software

What it is

Virtual Genetics Lab II (VGLII) is a free simulation for students exploring how traits are inherited. Students cross hypothetical creatures and examine offspring, using problems that cover one to three genes. Traits can be autosomal or sex-linked, with simple dominance, co-dominance, or incomplete dominance; instructors can restrict which models are available. Model Builder lets students enter and save genetic models, and instructors can compare responses with correct answers for grading. Version 3 includes chi-squared calculations in the Summary Chart, epistasis and complementation models, and Super Crosses of up to 2,000 offspring. Desktop downloads are listed for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux/UNIX, and the download page says VGLII requires Java 7 or higher. The maker also describes jsVGL, a browser-based version that does not use Java and can load and save work. The maker says VGLII will no longer be supported, while support will continue for jsVGL. Some macOS versions may show an error about loading the Java Runtime Environment; a workaround uses the app's VGLII.jar file.

Spec sheet

Purpose
VGLII simulates transmission genetics so students can investigate how traits are inherited by crossing hypothetical creatures and examining their offspring.Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu
Support
The download page directs installation questions, troubleshooting requests, and bug reports to Brian White by email.Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu
Browser version
The maker describes jsVGL as a non-Java version that runs in a web browser and can load and save work.Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu
Desktop availability
The download page lists VGLII downloads for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux/UNIX.Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu
Maker and development
The maker says VGLII was designed and developed by four UMass Boston master's students in computer science and Brian White.Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu
Model Builder
Students can enter and save genetic models, and instructors can compare their answers with correct answers for grading.Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu
Problem limit
The maker's comparison table says VGLII problems support one to three genes.Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu
Support status
The maker says VGLII will no longer be supported and says it will continue supporting the cross-platform browser version, jsVGL.Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu
Use and audience
The maker says VGLII had been used by over 3,500 biology students at UMass Boston since 2003.Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu

Plans and prices

Virtual Genetics Lab II Free Free; problems cover 1 to 3 genes Read 8 Oct 2026 · vgl.umb.edu

Every Virtual Genetics Lab II plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free to use.
  • Models autosomal and sex-linked traits.
  • Model Builder saves student genetic models.
  • Super Crosses can include up to 2,000 offspring.

Limits

  • VGLII requires Java 7 or higher.
  • The maker says VGLII will no longer be supported.
  • Some macOS versions may show a Java launch error.

Who it suits

VGLII suits university-level biology learners studying inheritance through simulated crosses. It also offers instructors model restrictions and answer comparison for grading.

Verdict

VGLII offers several inheritance models and analysis features, with desktop downloads and a browser alternative. The maker has ended planned support for VGLII but says jsVGL will continue to be supported.

Where Specifiction places it

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