It is an event that is sure to bring out the competitive side of family and friends on the Fraser Coast.

The University of the Sunshine Coast is giving people the chance to test how fast they can run, how hard they can throw and how high they can jump at a special Open Day at its Fraser Coast campus on Sunday 18 September.

The speed, strength and agility testing as part of the USC’s Bachelor of Sports Studies is one of many hands-on activities on the day to give potential students and interested community members a taste of the programs on offer at USC Fraser Coast.

More than 15 degrees and study programs will be in the spotlight as USC combines its first Open Day with a free community celebration for people of all ages with interactive activities, giant games, live music, wheelchair basketball, face-painting and giveaways.

A larger than life version of ‘Cluedo’ will take place in the University Library, with people using their powers of logic in a race to be the first to solve a murder mystery.

Family and friends can also compete against each in a number of oversized games including Twister, jumbo pick-up-sticks and Tic-Tac-Toe, and take on other fun challenges involving marketing brands, sensory awareness and creativity skills.

Robots will be programed to perform tasks in USC Fraser Coast’s new Makerspace Lab to allow potential Bachelor of Education students to explore coding and other innovations used to engage children in learning.

Prospective nurses and scientists can treat life-sized manikins in a simulated hospital ward and join in interesting experiments including germ detection with UV lights.

Entertainment for the day includes live music by popular Fraser Coast musician Dan Boulton.

Open Day will run from 10am-1pm at the USC campus in Old Maryborough Road, Hervey Bay and will include a free sausage sizzle and coffee. Those attending can enter a draw to win an iPad 2 Air and accessories valued at almost $1,000.

As part of the Open Day, information sessions will be held on education; science and animal ecology; nursing and sport sciences; business, accounting and marketing; tourism, leisure and events; human services and social work; psychology and social sciences.

To book a program session and for more information visit www.usc.edu.au/open-day

— Clare McKay