I agree with you that learning the physics is distinct from learning the numerical aspects. However, I think there is value in learning computational techniques early on (and possibly in parallel with the physics). If my experience is representative (and it might not be), the majority of undergrad physics majors do not wind up pursuing a physics research career, and the numerical skills might not be of more use than the analytic skills. Of course, it's certainly true that these numerical skills can be obtained in a separate class. I'm not sure it's clear-cut whether having them together is better or worse than having them separate. I think one could make a reasonable case either way.