Virtual Genetics Lab II

Summary

Virtual Genetics Lab II (VGLII) is a free genetics simulation for students investigating how traits pass from parents to offspring. Students cross hypothetical creatures and examine their offspring. 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 limit which models are available. Model Builder lets students enter and save genetic models, and instructors can compare student answers 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; the download page says VGLII requires Java 7 or higher. The browser-based jsVGL version does not require 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 “Unable to Load Java Runtime Environment” message when launching VGLII; a workaround uses the app’s VGLII.jar file.

Who it is for

VGLII suits university-level learners studying inheritance through simulated crosses, and instructors who want students to build and submit genetic models. Those seeking ongoing support should note that support for VGLII is ending.

Compared on biology learning software

Free plan

Yesvgl.umb.edu

Virtual labs

Yesvgl.umb.edu

Biology simulations

Yesvgl.umb.edu

Primary learner level

universityvgl.umb.edu

Supported platforms

desktopvgl.umb.edu

Facts

Purpose

VGLII simulates transmission genetics so students can investigate how traits are inherited by crossing hypothetical creatures and examining their offspring.vgl.umb.edu · 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 · 8 Oct 2026

Desktop availability

The download page lists VGLII downloads for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux/UNIX.vgl.umb.edu · 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 · 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 · 8 Oct 2026

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 · 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 · 8 Oct 2026

Problem limit

The maker's comparison table says VGLII problems support one to three genes.vgl.umb.edu · 8 Oct 2026

Support

The download page directs installation questions, troubleshooting requests, and bug reports to Brian White by email.vgl.umb.edu · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 8 Oct 2026

Where it ranks on Everything Xiaomi

• Best Biology Learning Software in 2026#6 of 24

Sources

• vgl.umb.edu/Project_vision.htm· checked 8 Oct 2026
• vgl.umb.edu/download.htm· checked 8 Oct 2026