Java runtime environment (JVM) is required to run our VGL. If you don`t have JVM on your current machine, get it here .
  1. System requirements
  2. Download, Install, and Run VGLII
  3. Lab Manuals for VGLII
  4. Reporting Bugs, etc.
  5. VGLII Source Code
  6. VGLII history

System requirements
Operating System:
  • Windows 9x and above
  • Sun Solaris 8 and above
  • Linux
  • Mac OSX v10.7 and above
  • MacOS 9.x: VGL does not work with Mas OS 9 or lower. You should use BioQUEST 's Genetics Construction Kit instead.
Java Version: Java 7 or higher.
Instructions for downloading, installing, and running VGLII
  1. Click on the appropriate link for your platform from the list below.
  2. Save the "VGLx.zip", file on your computer when prompted.
  3. Once the download is complete go to the folder in which you saved the "VGLII.x.zip" file.
  4. Unzip the file:
    • Windows : right-click the .zip file and Expand it into the desired folder. Warning: Double-clicking on the file does not necessarily un-zip the file. It will expand into a folder named "VGL". It is now installed. The VGLII-x.exe can be found in this folder.
    • Macintosh Basic Version : Double-click the "VGLII-x.zip" file; it will expand to an app called "VGLII-x". VGL is now installed.
    • Macintosh Grader Version : Double-click the "VGLII-x.zip" file; it will expand to a folder called "VGLII-x". VGL is now installed. The VGLII.x.app can be found in this folder. For grading to function properly, you should put the VGLII-x folder in one of the following locations (do not change the name of the VGLII-x folder):
      • Applications
      • Desktop
      • Downloads
      • Documents
  5. Double-click the VGLII-x icon to launch VGL.
  6. Choose "New Problem" from VGL's "File" menu and select a problem type to start your work.
Download Links
VGLII Version 3.3.1 as of February 28, 2017

Lab Manuals for VGLII

The original version of VGLII was called "VGL". Many of the lab manuals were developed for VGL and have yet to be updated for VGLII. Fortunately, the user interfaces for VGL and VGLII are almost identical. However, the kinds of genetic models available in the different Problem files are not the same. Please check the Documentation page for details. Each of the lab manuals below were designed for particular version of VGL; if you want to use it with a different version, it may need slight revision. VGLII lab manuals will be available soon.

Reporting bugs, etc.

If you have installation questions or need help troubleshooting the Virtual Genetics Lab, Submit your bug reports to: Feedback .

When reporting bugs, please include the following in your email

- Subject: Bug
- include your system type
- version number of this software (which can be obtained by clicking 'Help' menu, then 'About Virtual Genetics Lab'submenu; for example, 'Prototype Version 1.1.0').
- how to repeat the bug
- a log of the error messages (if any) reported by the underlying OS

VGL Source code
  • Source code for VGLII 2.0.1 is available from this link.
VGLII Version History
  • Version 1.0.0
    • First working version
  • Version 1.1.0
    • Fixed bugs in saving work
    • Encrypted problem files
    • Added color phenotype images
    • Added level 11-1 problems
  • Version 1.1.1
    • Fixed more bugs in saving work
  • Version 1.1.2
    • Fixed more bugs in summary charts
  • Version 1.2.0 May 1, 2009
    • Added improved images of the phenotypes
  • Version 2.0.0 September 29, 2009
    • Configured for multiple language support:
      • Thanks to Sophie Javerzat for French translation
    • If no changes since last save, no-longer asks to save
  • Version 2.0.1 October 16, 2009
    • Fixed bugs in printing of French text
    • Fixed missing help file figure
  • Version 2.0.2 February 11, 2010
    • Now speaks Spanish (thanks to Juan-Carlos Hernandez-Vega and Karla Schallies)
  • Version 2.1.0 July 31, 2010
    • Fixed bug that prevented loading a second work file without quitting.
    • Now defaults to English in countries with non-supported languages.
    • Work files are encrypted to prevent students from reading them. (Old work files will still be readable).
    • Added new problem files (See the Documentation page for details):
      • Level07 and 08 now have "NC" versions that do not include Circular Dominance.
      • Now a Level05-1 that allows for ZZ/ZW sex-linkage.
  • Version 2.1.1 August 12, 2010
    • Added setting for problem file that makes all the organisms in the Field Population (Cage 1) homozygous.
    • Added new problem files (See the Documentation page for details):
      • Level10-1.pr2 is like Level10, but can also include unlinked genes.
      • Level12PB.pr2 is the same as Level12 except all the Field Population Organisms are True Breeding (homozygous).
  • Version 3.0.0 April 2, 2011 (only released for testing)
    • Added models that include Epistasis and Complementation
    • Added Model Builder to allow students to enter their models for grading
    • Added ability to grade students' work
    • Re-designed Cage windows for easier interpretation
    • Added Super Cross (up to 2000 offspring)
    • Problem files now organized more clearly
    • Added set of Problem files that correspond to old VGL Problems
    • Saves position and visibility of all cages.
  • Version 3.0.1 April 11, 2011 (only released for testing)
    • Fixed bugs; no longer runs out of memory when grading many files.
    • Improved security with grader.key tokens.
  • Version 3.1.0 April 20, 2011 (only released for testing)
    • Fixed bugs; saves even if ModelBuilder not used.
    • Improved security with instructor.key, student.key, and Save For Grading...
  • Version 3.1.1 May 5, 2011
    • Faster Save for grading...
  • Version 3.1.2 May 25, 2011
    • Fixed bug in SuperCross (it sometimes failed).
    • Now only asks you if you want to save if you've changed your work (new cross or change in Model Builder since the last save.
  • Version 3.1.3 June 17, 2011
    • Fixed bug in Grader that give problem file name as "null"; now gives proper name.
    • Added Problem files TwoGenes06 and TwoGenes06p.(Thanks, Sophie!)
  • Version 3.1.4 December 13, 2011
    • Fixed bug that did not allow saving of problems where Super Cross progeny had been crossed.
    • Fixed some of the labels for File save dialogs.
  • Version 3.2.0 June 19, 2012
    • Added chi-squared analysis to Summary Chart
    • Added Korean translation (thanks, Se-Jin Yoon!).
    • Added ability to enter complete linkage models in Model Builder
    • Fixed bug where grading of sex-linked cages was incorrect.
    • Shows error if .gr2 file is in wrong format in Grader
    • Now properly reports on evidence of interactions in Grader
  • Version 3.2.0 August 24, 2012 - no new version
    • Signed Mac version so compatible with OS X Mountain Lion.
  • Version 3.2.1 August 3, 2014
    • Chi-squared calculations now take non-integer "expected" values.
    • In grading mode, you can now add a comment to the instructor that is included in what the grader sees when grading.
  • Version 3.3.0 January 27, 2016
    • Added "Blood Type" models. (Thanks to Cindy Passmore for the suggestion). These have three alleles:
      • One is recessive to the other two - like i (or O).
      • The other two are co-dominant - like I A (or A) and I B (or B)
  • Version 3.3.1 February 28, 2017
    • Created separate Grader and Basic versions of VGLII for Mac OS X
    • Added code to Mac Grader version to work around OS X 10.12's Application Translocation security
  • Version 3.3.2 November 15, 2017
    • By default, SuperCross generates a summary table