Foundations of Unconscious Bias

Develop the knowledge and skills needed to work well with diversity and to actively promote inclusion

This course is designed for anyone interested in understanding the principles of unconscious bias from a psychological perspective and applying this knowledge to reduce inequity, discrimination, and prejudice. Participants will explore the foundations of bias, including why it happens, how it manifests, and the impacts it has on interactions among diverse groups. The course aims to build knowledge, skills, and awareness in recognising and managing biases in personal and professional settings. Delivered as a 3-hour online synchronous session, the course includes a mix of lectures, small group discussions, and interactive activities. Real-world case studies will be analysed to illustrate the application of unconscious bias principles across contexts. For those wanting a more in-depth learning experience, this course can be coupled with Mastering Unconscious Bias course, which builds off of the content in a subsequent 3-hour online session.

• Learn about the context of diversity and how we group and categorise people in ways that frame interactions.
• Explore how the brain functions to produce bias and how this can manifest in stereotyping, discrimination, and prejudice.
• Reflect on bias within themselves, in others, and in organisations.
• Learn how to recognise the impact of bias on inclusion and how to reduce other negative impacts of biases.
• Understand key concepts related to unconscious bias and explore its impact on behaviour and decision-making.
• Develop awareness of the neuroscience underpinning unconscious bias and how it influences interactions among diverse peoples.
• Reflect on and analyse one’s own biases and their potential impact on personal and professional relationships.
• Assess real-world scenarios to determine appropriate responses to unconscious bias.