I have a degree in physics and I've worked seven years in animation production. Here's my take:

* Effects animators could benefit greatly from physics knowledge, as dynamics simulations are a significant tool. The important thing is to remember when to leave physics behind and go for something that looks good.

* Character riggers can also benefit from a physics background in that the mathematical foundation of geometric transformations, which is important to character rigging, will be familiar if you've done much physics work. In physics, as in CG, the idea of "frame of reference" (which in CG is usually referred to as "choice of coordinate space") and the mathematical underpinnings of it are very useful.

* Finally, lighters may be able to analyze their ways out of interesting problems by using some of the problem solving skills learned in physics, though this would not be such a direct application.

-- Mark