Biology Labs Online vs Virtual Genetics Lab II

Biology Labs Online is a free web collection of 12 interactive biology simulations and exercises for college and AP high school students. Topics include inheritance, evolution, genetics, population growth, protein structure and function, electron transport, plant physiology, cardiovascular homeostasis, and enzyme biochemistry. The inquiry-based activities are designed to reinforce scientific methodology, including principles that may be dangerous, expensive, or time-consuming to study in wet labs. They are not intended to replace traditional labs, operate as standalone tutorials, or serve as online courses. Older Java applets are converted to JavaScript through CheerpJ, a process the site says can have minor quirks. The listed tested browsers on Windows and Mac include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Brave, plus Safari on Mac. The applets assume mouse input and do not work well on mobile devices. Many can export data and graphs, but pop-ups must be allowed for the output window to appear. Notebook data must be exported locally or copied elsewhere to preserve it. Instructors can request access to instructor resources by email.

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.