DYMEX is a modular modelling package that allows the user to develop and run deterministic population models of biological organisms rapidly. Such models help to summarise our understanding of an organism's population dynamics, identify gaps in knowledge, and rapidly evaluate management options.

DYMEX achieves this using the following features:

• A Builder and Simulator

  DYMEX consists of two programs: a Builder and a Simulator that provide a user friendly platform on which to create and run population models.

• MS Windows Interface

  DYMEX has a graphical interface providing students and researchers with a simple means with which to build and run models in the Windows environment. Models and their components are presented in a way that is readily understood by ecologists.

• A Modular Format

  The models are created in a modular form, with each module dealing with a separate process, allowing great flexibility to modify or extend the model.

• Extensive Module Library

  DYMEX contains a library of user-adjustable modules, each of which performs a particular function.

• User Documentation

  DYMEX comes with two comprehensive User's Guides, step-by-step tutorials and an online Help system.

• Hearne Scientific Software Support

  Hearne Scientific Software will provide ongoing support for DYMEX. Patches will be mounted on this website at regular intervals.

• No programming needed

  No programming and therefore no code debugging is needed to build a DYMEX model.

• No code maintenance costs

  All code is already written and thoroughly tested.

• Easy to use

  One of the major aims in the construction of DYMEX has been ease of use, "user friendliness". Simple models can be constructed relatively easily with limited time spent on learning DYMEX. A good understanding of the biology of the organism is still needed but DYMEX takes the pain out of model building by automating many processes.

• Rapid model building

  A model can be created very quickly using DYMEX as the process is analogous to the use of building blocks, with a large amount of functionality available in each block. Of course, fitting the model to the data and validation are still required, though DYMEX provides facilities to ease these tasks.

• Extendable models

  Models created in DYMEX can easily be changed and extended using the Builder.

• Transparent design

  The entire structure of the model can be made visible within the Builder and Simulator.

• Population ecology

  Models of populations can easily be created quickly, allowing rapid analysis of the dynamics of populations.

• Optimisation of IPM

  DYMEX has modules that are designed to add management options to a model. The resultant models can automatically search for optimal strategies, e.g. Chemical, Biopesticides, Host resistance.

• Weed ecology & Management

  Plant population models can be built and used to explore theoretical and management issues.

• Modelling workshops

  DYMEX provides a means of communication and so facilitates collaborative involvement in research and applications. Models can be built and operated during workshops to great advantage.

• Tertiary education

  DYMEX allows biological students and researchers to concentrate their energies on scientific issues by freeing them from the need to learn computer programming.