Java runtime environment (JVM) is required to run our VGL. If you don`t have JVM on your current machine, get it here.

System requirements

Operating System:

Windows 9x and above
Sun Solaris 8 and above
Linux
Mac OSX v10.x
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 1.5.0 or higher.

Instructions for downloading, installing, and running VGL and VGLII

Click on the appropriate link for your platform from the list below.
Save the "VGLx.zip", file on your computer when prompted.
Once the download is complete go to the folder in which you saved the "VGL_1.x.zip" file.
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.
Macintosh: Double-click the "VGLx.zip" file; it will expand to a folder called "VGL.x". VGL is now installed.

In the "VGL.x" folder, double-click the VGL.x icon to launch VGL.
Choose "New Problem" from VGL's "File" menu and select a problem type to start your work.

Download Links
VGL Version 1.4.2 as of Fall 2007

VGL 1.4.2 for Windows 98 and above.
VGL 1.4.2 for Mac OS X.
This software was described in an article published in The American Biology Teacher.
This software is also available as a part of the textbook: A Problems Approach to Introductory Biology

VGLII Version 2.0.1 as of October 16, 2009

VGLII for Windows 98 and above.
VGLII for Mac OS X.
VGLII for Linux/UNIX.

Lab Manuals for VGL and VGLII

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.

Introductory Lab Exercise (VGL; English)

Advanced Lab Exercise (VGL; English)

Advanced Lab Exercise (VGLII; English)

Advanced Lab Exercise (VGLII, Français)

.pdf version
Word version available on request from Brian White

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 VGL 1.4.2 is available from this link.
Source code for VGLII 2.0.1 is available from this link.

VGL Version History

Version 1.1

All image and help directories are included in the .jar file
Help does not require access to the system browser
There is no preview of the "print-to-file"
The bug in OSX where it did not start up in the Problems directory is fixed
The program has a nice custom icon

Version 1.2

Misc Bug fixes.
Set up in Eclipse for development.

Version 1.3

Added print to printer capability
all in one big jar file
added 3-allele models

Version 1.4.2

Simpler baloon help on genotypes
made VGL applet
fixed cancel save bug
fixed help info
fixed labeling of cages where trait is "legs"

VGLII

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